Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontists in Poland – online cross-sectional study

Abstract Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had gripped orthodontic offices around the world. The aim of the study was to examine the challenges orthodontists faced during the pandemic in Poland. Material and methods: An anonymous online survey using Google Forms was conducted among 104 orthodontists in Poland. The dependence of the variables was examined using the Pearson χ2 test or the Fisher’s exact test, additionally, the strength of the relationship, Cramer’s V measure of association, was estimated. Results: According to 84.6% of the respondents, the orthodontic practice was closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The interruption in patient admission lasted for 2 months in 52.3% of the orthodontic offices. In 35.6% of the orthodontic practices, after the pandemic outbreak, the practice was limited to accepting only patients with emergencies. The results of the Fisher’s exact test showed a significant relationship between the age group of orthodontists and the factor of using teleconsultation. Moreover, additional safety measures were implemented in all orthodontic offices during the pandemic. Interruption of orthodontic treatment due to COVID-19 had a negative impact on treatment outcomes. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important for orthodontists to increase communication with patients. Future prevention strategies can be developed based on national studies.