Impact of COVID-19 on the work of Spanish dentists: An early response to the pandemic

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the quality of the information about COVID-19 that Spanish dentists felt they were provided; their opinion about the actions by Health Institutions; their perception of the risk infection at work; and the security measures implemented to prevent contagion. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A specific questionnaire was developed and made available online from March 18th to 20th 2020. Dentists working in Spain were invited to answer. Questions were divided in 4 sections: demographic data and professional activity; specific information on COVID-19 and opinion about the decisions taken by Dental Councils and Health Authorities; risk assessment for SARS-CoV-2 in dental practices; and implementation of new ways of working. Chi-square tests were computed (p<0.05). 873 dentists answered the survey. RESULTS: A majority of dentists considered that Health Authorities did not take right decisions during the outbreak (86.37%), and were concerned both about getting infected at work (83.16%) and being a potential carrier to their patients (72.97%). Due to COVID-19, 59.11% of the dentists incorporated new protective measures in the dental practice, 60.17% began dealing with emergencies only and 39.18% stopped working. CONCLUSIONS: Most dentists were worried about infection in their workplaces, particularly women and dentists from the most affected regions by COVID-19. Almost 90% of the participants considered that this pandemic will change the way they provide dental care in the future. Key words:COVID-19, pandemic, disease transmission, dentists´ behavior, dental practice.