Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemic on Oral Health of Patients Visiting Penang International Dental College (PIDC) Clinic

Author(s):

Tina Varghese*, Abin Varghese, Nurdina Hanis Binti Zainal Abidin, Kirtiga AP Muthu and Nurul Hana Binti Mohd Arshad

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a major public health crisis for countries all around the world and has brought major challenges to the dental sector, including maintaining dental care coverage throughout Malaysia. The objectives of this study are to identify major dental problems faced and relief measures adopted during lockdown.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using questionnaires containing 2 sections with a total of 16 questions with 3 on personal information and 13 on oral health complications faced during the imposed lockdown. The questionnaires were distributed among 100 patients seeking dental treatment in Penang International Dental College (PIDC).

Results: 100 responses were collected which included 37 males and 63 females from 13 years to 72 years of age. The most common oral problems faced by participants was toothache (31%) followed by gingivitis (16%) and mouth ulcer(s) (12%). The main relief measures taken by participants was by visiting the dental clinic, which included half of the participants (50%).

Conclusion: It is essential that during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that dental care will always be available and in reach to the public, so that patients do not suffer from the complications of their oral health problems.