Orthodontic Treatment During Covid-19 Pandemic – A Cross Sectional Study On Patients’ Perspective And Attitude

Background: During this pandemic outbreak the protocols followed in all countries became a barrier to the existing dental practice. According to literature, this pandemic had a severe negative impact on orthodontic care provided to patients. There is less literature on the patient perspectives, who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. In India, the first wave of this pandemic outbreak which came to an end by the end of 2020, after which the second wave started in early 2021, and is ongoing. Orthodontists cannot delay the treatment for ongoing cases for a long time.This cross sectional survey among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment aims at assessing their knowledge about the ongoing pandemic, attitude on orthodontic treatment during these difficult times and the precautions needed to be followed in an orthodontic practice. Materials And Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey among patients undergoing orthodontic treatment in the dental hospital. The questionnaire was framed with reference from a study conducted by Umeh OD et al. The questionnaire was pilot tested and was distributed as a self-assessed e-questionnaire to the patients via social media platforms. Total of 215 responses obtained from the patients were compiled, processed further, and analyzed by entering the obtained data in Microsoft Excel 2007 version and graphs were made to represent them. Further statistical analysis was done. Table-1 demonstrated the demographic data of the study participants. Results: The knowledge levels on the Covid-19 disease were adequate and there was a significant impact on the treatment which the participants were undergoing. When comparing these with the level of education, it was found to be insignificant. Conclusion: Even if most of the patients were having issues on the undergoing treatment, they had a positive attitude in continuing the treatment during/after the pandemic. Various awareness programs in all available platforms both for the orthodontist and patients should be conducted to vigorously address this concern.