The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Care Services and Practices in Jordan

Abstract

Dentists and their patients are highly exposed to COVID-19 due to the close contact nature of dental procedures. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on dental care practices and services in Jordan. A mixed-method design was used; data from dentists ( N = 400) were collected using an online survey, and 15 semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with dentists from public and private sectors. The findings revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted dental care practices and services. The majority of the participants reported a decline in their income and a decline in dental services demand, with a significant increase in costs for this profession. Additionally, this study showed that most participants were in a state of anxiety and fear about contracting the virus and transmitting it to their families while practising their profession that caused a change in their behaviours and attitudes. In conclusion, dental healthcare workers are at greater risk of being infected with COVID-19. There is a need to implement recommended protocols in dental clinics, it is also essential that decision makers develop appropriate interventions and measures to ensure continuity in the provision of dental services during the pandemic.