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Dental Workload Reduction during First SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany: A Cross-Sectional Survey.
Thomas Gerhard Wolf1,2,3, James Deschner2, Harald Schrader3
1Department of Restorative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Summary
German dentists experienced significant practice workload reductions during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Over 65% reported over a 50% decrease, impacting dental care across regions.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented public health measures, including lockdowns.
- These measures significantly impacted healthcare services, necessitating an analysis of their effects on dental practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the weekly workload reduction experienced by German dentists during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- To identify variations in workload reduction across different regions and practice types in Germany.
Main Methods:
- An observational, cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online questionnaire.
- The survey targeted members of the Free Association of German Dentists, with 2635 responses analyzed.
- Respondents were categorized into seven macro areas based on gross domestic product.
Main Results:
- Nearly two-thirds (65.16%) of dentists reported a workload reduction exceeding 50% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
- A statistically significant difference in workload reduction was observed between German macro areas (p < 0.01).
- Dental care centers managed by non-dentists reported a lower workload reduction (40%) compared to solo or dentist-led practices (30.24% and 28.39%).
Conclusions:
- German dentists drastically reduced practice activity during the initial COVID-19 lockdown wave.
- Both rural and urban dental practices were significantly affected.
- Further investigation into the short, medium, and long-term consequences for dental practices, staff, and patient care is warranted.
