Impact of COVID-19 on dental practice in India :

A cross-sectional study conducted among the dental professionals across India has shown that COVID-19 has disrupted the source of income for the majority of the younger dental professionals.

It is well known that COVID-19 has led to economical hardships to dental professionals as well. In the present survey, it was noted that the majority of the participants said they can endure the economic impact only up to 6 months. It was also noted that this opinion was majorly among younger dental professionals with fewer years of practice. Also, dental professionals expressed their concern on the difficulty in paying the expenses, difficulty in paying co-workers and paying wages, and also reduced income. This was also reported by Ahmadi et al that the majority of (97%) of dental professionals reported that they encountered a decrease in their financial income since the pandemic.

In a survey conducted in the UK, it was reported that the volume of inpatient per day was reduced by 74% due to the pandemic situation. To overcome the economic impact, the majority of dental professionals are considering the following measures: Increase the price of treatment and depend on an alternative source of income. Other measures being thought by dentists are reducing the no. of coworkers and also to reduce the working hours.

Governments in few countries have considered special economic packages to dental professionals to overcome the economic burden. It is desirable that the Government of India also considers a package for dental professionals.

Conclusion: Majority of dental professionals in India are dependent on private practice and consultation practice. Due to COVID-19, source of income has disrupted for the majority of the younger dental professionals. There is a mixed opinion regarding COVID-19 test prior to dental treatments. Increasing the price of treatment, depending on alternative source of income are certain measures are what dentists are looking forward.

Courtesy : Dental Tribune South Asia