Assessment of Psychosocial Factors in Brazilian Dentists Facing Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Public and Private Sectors

Abstract

Dentists are at high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their close proximity to patients. Thus, the fear of contamination or spreading the virus to family members, coupled with financial need, can lead professionals to experience significant overload and psychological suffering. We investigated the perceptions of dental professionals in the public and private sectors regarding fear and anxiety related to patient care and the risk of infection in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the previous literature, we interviewed 302 dentists online using sociodemographic and professional questions. Among the professionals evaluated, 80.8% had suspended their activities for some time, 74.8% were afraid of infection at work, 86.1% feared transmitting the virus to their families, 30.1% had already been infected, 54% felt afraid when they heard the news of death caused by SARS-CoV-2, and 63.9% reported having the protective knowledge necessary to avoid infection. Dentists who worked only in the public sector and those who worked in both sectors were more afraid of being infected than professionals who worked only in private offices. Our results highlight the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional health in dentists. This study highlights the need for more support in the psychosocial field to enable dentists to overcome difficulties and maintain the provision of good dental care for the population. Continuing education should update professions with the requisite scientific and clinical knowledge to face the pandemic and achieve greater reflection on their role within this new context to improve their professional and emotional performance.