Patient Perceptions about Professional Dental Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: Dental professionals are at high risk of being infected by and transmitting COVID-19 to patients. Patients’ perceived risk for infection and attitudes about receiving dental care during the pandemic are important to understand as patients consider returning to routine dental care as the pandemic progresses. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore dental patients’ perceptions of susceptibility to contracting COVID-19, their related attitudes and beliefs regarding dental care visits, and their considerations for returning to routine care during and after the pandemic. METHOD: Data for this cross-sectional study came from an electronic survey of 464 US adults. Survey variables include demographics, dental hygiene behaviors, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, attitudes and beliefs regarding risk for attending dental appointments, and the necessary conditions and events for them to feel comfortable returning to regular dental appointments. RESULTS: Over half of study participants had a 4-y degree, an annual income of at least $50,000, and good oral hygiene practices of frequent brushing and routine dental visits. Older age and agreement with positive attitudinal statements and beliefs about professional dental care were positively related to perceived susceptibility for contracting COVID-19 in a dental setting. Perceptions of susceptibility, a higher valuation of dentistry, and agreement that COVID-19 is a serious infection were each positively related to attitudinal statements and beliefs reflecting caution in attending dental visits. Last, assurance from public health officials confirming the safety to return for routine dental care was the largest reported factor necessary for a return to routine dental visits. CONCLUSION: This study provides early data about patient perceptions of susceptibility and attitudes toward COVID-19 in a professional dental setting and necessary conditions for returning to regular visits. This information can help formulate messaging related to returning to professional dental care, specifically targeting fears among the most susceptible populations. KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT: Government and public health agencies can play an important role in alleviating concerns and instilling confidence that dental settings are safe. With this information from the public, dental professionals and public health agencies can work together to share messaging that will consistently inform the public regarding the safety of returning to professional dental care as it relates to the reopening of states and cities.