Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dental Care in Izmir Province in the West of Turkey

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to investigate provision of dental care services before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in western Türkiye. Materials & Methods: Data was screened between 1 December 2018-1 June 2022 from the hospital database of Izmir Training Dental Hospital, Izmir, Türkiye. All dental procedures including oral and radiographic examination, dental fillings, restorative/reconstructive treatments, extraction, endodontic treatment, treatment of parafunctional habits, periodontal treatment, emergency dental treatments. Data envelopment analysis model was applied to measure the efficiency of decision-making units. Results: Total number of dental and auxiliary staff worked in the selected hospital was 84±15 (mean±SD) and 105±0 (mean±SD) respectively and the number of active dental chair was 150±0 (mean±SD). While oral examination was the most performed dental care services, root canal treatment and extractions were the least effected treatment modalities during the selected years. When the scale efficiency value is examined, it is observed that the most effective year was 2019 (scale efficiency value: 1), the second effective year was 2020 (0.987), and the third effective year is 2022 (0.886), and 2021 (0.875) was the least effective year. Conclusion: Non-aerosol generated procedures were least effected oral care services during the pandemic. It is concluded that COVID-19 pandemic has caused marked impairments in routine dental care services during the year 2020 and 2021. The policy makers should be well-prepared for future pandemics to dedicate uninterrupted dental care services as well as public health.