Pediatric Dental Practice and Precautions Applied During The Covid-19 Lock-Down Period and Their Consequences On Pediatric Oral Health-A Web-Based Surveya Web-Based Survey On Covid-19 LockDown Period

Objectives: To evaluate the pediatric dental practices and precautions taken during the period of COVID-19 outbreak and how could the decrease in oral health services lead to increase disk of oral problems such as the spread of dental caries, occlusal discrepancies and in appropriate antibiotic prescription in children. Materials and Methods: A web-based survey was conducted to pediatric dental specialists in Egypt. An online questionnaire was used to collect data and a message explaining the purpose of the study was sent to all participants. Results: 33.3% of respondents suspended their dental practice during this period, 41.1% performed only emergency treatment and 25.6% provided their regular preventive and therapeutic services. The estimated percentage of patients at high risk of caries from March to June was 2.4%, 2.8% and 3.52% respectively. Regarding occlusal discrepancies it increased from 1. 88% in March to 2.6% in July. Antibiotic prescription increased from 2.85% in March to 4.85% in July. There was a significant difference between the type of speciality and the percentage of participants not practicing dentistry. Conclusion: Decreased dental practice and preventive services of paediatric dentists during the COVID-19 lock-down period estimated increase in caries risk, antibiotic prescription, and occlusal discrepancies in children. Good degrees of awareness of the COVID-19 precautions and infection-control measures among the pediatric dental practitioners in Egypt.