Clinical Attitudes, Behaviors and Perceived Stress Towards the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Questionnaire Survey among Swiss Dentists.

PURPOSE: To investigate dentists' work conditions, awareness, protective measures, economic effects and perceived stress during the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 126 dentists working in the Frenchspeaking part of Switzerland, in particular in the Cantons of Vaud and Geneva. Data consisted of the answers to 40 questions assessing the knowledge, attitudes, workload and mental condition of the dentists during the first 2 waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Swiss dentists received sufficient information about the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented protective measures. Differences were found between the 1st and the 2nd wave concerning the workload; during the first wave, the workload was low for the majority of dentists (60%), whereas during the second, it was moderate (53.4%) or high (41.3%). During both waves, the mental burden was also important, and was related mainly to financial issues and fear of infection. CONCLUSIONS: This survey reported that Swiss dentists were, in general, satisfied with the transmission of precise operating guidelines during the pandemic. However, a considerable psychological impact, mainly during the first wave, was revealed. With the implementation of proper strategic measures during the COVID-19 outbreak, dental practitioners will be prepared for future global health-care disruptions.

A pilot clinical and radiographic study on the association between periodontitis and serious COVID-19 infection.

BACKGROUND: During the pandemic of COVID-19, the scientific community tried to identify the risk factors that aggravate the viral infection. Oral health and specifically periodontitis have been shown to have a significant impact on overall health. Current, yet limited, evidence suggests a link between periodontal status and severity of COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVES: The present pilot study aimed to assess whether younger patients (≤60 years) that have been hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID-19 infection were susceptible to severe periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All dentate patients ≤60 years of age diagnosed with COVID-19 and surviving hospitalization in the ICU were considered for inclusion. Susceptibility to periodontitis was determined by assessing radiographic bone loss (RBL) in recent dental radiographs (posterior bitewings, periapical, and panoramic X-rays). RBL in % was obtained from the most affected tooth and patients were classified into: Stage I, RBL ≤ 15%; Stage II, RBL = 15%-33% and Stage III/IV, RBL ≥ 33%. The grade was defined using the RBL to age ratio on the most severely affected tooth. Patients were attributed to: Grade A, ratio <0.25; Grade B, ratio 0.25-1 and Grade C, ratio >1. Patients classified into Stage III/IV and Grade C were considered highly susceptible to periodontitis. RESULTS: Of 87 eligible patients, 30 patients were finally assessed radiographically and/or clinically; from the remaining 57 patients, 16 refused participation for various reasons and 41 could not be reached. Based on the radiographic assessment, all patients were periodontally compromised. Half of them were classified with Stage III/IV and Grade B or C; 26.7% were classified with Stage III/IV and Grade C. CONCLUSIONS: The present pilot study showed that about half of the patients suffering from severe forms of COVID-19 infection in need of ICU admission suffered also from severe periodontitis, and about one-fourth of them were highly susceptible to it.