Dental Public Health in Action: Experiences and Responses of Oral Health Care Professionals during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Malta

Abstract

Initial impetus for action: Maltese Oral Health Care Professionals (OHCP) experienced changes to clinical practice and redeployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the early stages, there were few data on the resultant changes to the provision of dental services or their impact on the wellbeing of dental professionals. Solutions Suggested: Two questionnaires were designed to explore different domains in OHCP working on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as in other areas/sectors. The findings were intended to inform guidance documents and to better support the profession. Findings: Anxiety-provoking factors, challenges, and areas of concern of OHCP were identified and practical recommendations to support transitioning to the 'new normal' were presented. OHCP expressed anxiety about contracting COVID-19 from their workplace and passing infection to other family members, friends, or patients. As a result, OHCP expressed the need for better protective clothing, workplace ventilation, and air filtration systems. Future implications: Provision of adequate PPE for OHCP was a priority. New guidelines for dental practice were informed by the experiences of the particpating OHCP. University modules to enhance the resilience of OHCP were among the recommendations to support practitioners.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19; Coping strategies; Dental team; Dentistry; Frontliners.