Prosthodontic Attitudes and Practices among Dentists during the First Wave of COVID-19 Era

CONTEXT: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a highly infectious disease that poses a threat in dental practice especially in prosthetic clinics due to the peculiar nature of prosthodontic procedures. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the attitude and practices in prosthodontics during COVID-19 period. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: An online cross-sectional survey was done among dentists practicing prosthodontics across Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was carried out by sending validated structured self-administered questionnaire to dentists on different social and speciality platforms. The questionnaire was designed into four segments namely socio-demographics, attitude, practice, and preparedness of dental staff towards COVID-19. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data analysis was done using SPSS software program, version 25.0. Statistical significance was established at P = <0.05 RESULTS: A total of 123 participants were seen with mean age of 45.20 ± 10.80 years. The specialists (48.0%) constituted the largest group, and the majority of participants were from the southwest (74.8%). Only 27.6% were very eager to perform dental procedures. Majority (64.2%) of the treatment was done by consultation via telephone calls, the use of telephone calls was not associated with age nor gender (P = 0.903, 0.611, respectively). A total of 31.7% attended to emergency cases occasionally. Only 13.4% performed prosthodontic treatment and this procedure was done in line with recommended guidelines to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The eagerness to perform dental procedures was low and majority of treatment was done by consultation via telephone calls. However, prosthodontic procedure was done by a few of the dentists according to the recommended guidelines for prevention and control.