Challenges in Dentistry Practice

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 60 views

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to people's lives, including for health professionals, especially dentists. As a health worker who is in direct contact with the patient and performs a procedure that produces aerosol, the dentist becomes one group that is vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. This study aimed to examine the impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on experience, attitudes, and life of dentist practices in the city of Medan, based on data obtained from 355 dentists practicing in the city.

Challenges in Dentistry Practice

The results of this study showed that Pandemi Covid-19 brought many challenges to dentists in the city of Medan. As many as 52.11% of dentists only handle emergency cases, while 56.90% change their working hours to reduce the risk of transmission. This indicates that the pandemic has significantly impacted the way dentists practice their profession, with many having to adapt to new and challenging situations.

The Impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on Dentists' Workload

The pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the workload of dentists, with many having to handle emergency cases and reduce their working hours to minimize the risk of transmission. This has put a strain on the resources and capabilities of dentists, making it challenging for them to provide optimal health services to their patients.

Adaptation and Challenges in Service

Dentists also experienced changes in their service methods. Although 31.27% stated that consultation via telephone was ineffective, most dentists (93.80%) chose not to handle patients at high risk during pandemic. In addition, 61.41% of dentists change work time and only handle urgent and emergency cases. This indicates that dentists have had to adapt their service methods to minimize the risk of transmission and ensure the safety of their patients.

The Importance of Teleconsultation Services

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of teleconsultation services in dentistry. While 31.27% of dentists stated that consultation via telephone was ineffective, most dentists (93.80%) chose not to handle patients at high risk during pandemic. This suggests that teleconsultation services can play a crucial role in minimizing the risk of transmission and ensuring the safety of patients.

Psychological and Financial Impacts

Pandemic also has an impact on the mental health and financial condition of dentists. A total of 14.37% of dentists stated that following the latest news about Pandemi Covid-19 caused feelings of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, 80.28% of dentists experienced a decrease in income during Pandemic, and 59.15% had to buy a Personal Protective Equipment (APD) at a higher price. This indicates that the pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and financial condition of dentists.

The Need for Psychological Support

The pandemic has highlighted the need for psychological support for dentists. A total of 14.37% of dentists stated that following the latest news about Pandemi Covid-19 caused feelings of depression and anxiety. This suggests that dentists require access to psychological support to help them cope with the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic.

Analysis and Recommendations

The results of this study provide an overview of the significant impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on dentistry practices in Medan City. Changes in the way of working, attitudes towards risk, and psychological and financial impacts show the need for greater adaptation and support for dentists in dealing with challenging situations.

Some recommendations that can be taken from the results of this study:

*** Increasing Psychological Support: Educational and Counseling Program to help dentists overcome stress and anxiety due to pandemic.**

Improving Teleconsultation Services

Improving the quality and accessibility of teleconsult services to overcome limitations in direct practice.

*** Assistance and Financial Assistance: Assistance and Financial Assistance Program for Dentists who have difficulty due to decreased income.**

Education and Socialization

Sustainable education and socialization regarding the latest health protocols and information related to COVID-19 to increase awareness and alertness.

Conclusion

Pandemi Covid-19 has become an important momentum for dentists in the city of Medan to adapt and improve the quality of their services. With the right support, dentists can overcome the challenges faced and continue to provide optimal health services for the community. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on dentistry practices in Medan City and highlight the need for greater adaptation and support for dentists in dealing with challenging situations.

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to people's lives, including for health professionals, especially dentists. As a health worker who is in direct contact with the patient and performs a procedure that produces aerosol, the dentist becomes one group that is vulnerable to COVID-19 infections. This article aims to provide answers to frequently asked questions related to the impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on dentist's practice in Medan City.

Q&A

Q: What are the challenges faced by dentists in Medan City during the Pandemi Covid-19?

A: The results of this study showed that Pandemi Covid-19 brought many challenges to dentists in the city of Medan. As many as 52.11% of dentists only handle emergency cases, while 56.90% change their working hours to reduce the risk of transmission.

Q: How has the pandemic affected the way dentists practice their profession?

A: The pandemic has resulted in a significant increase in the workload of dentists, with many having to handle emergency cases and reduce their working hours to minimize the risk of transmission. This has put a strain on the resources and capabilities of dentists, making it challenging for them to provide optimal health services to their patients.

Q: What are the psychological and financial impacts of the pandemic on dentists?

A: The pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health and financial condition of dentists. A total of 14.37% of dentists stated that following the latest news about Pandemi Covid-19 caused feelings of depression and anxiety. On the other hand, 80.28% of dentists experienced a decrease in income during Pandemic, and 59.15% had to buy a Personal Protective Equipment (APD) at a higher price.

Q: What are the recommendations for supporting dentists during the pandemic?

A: Some recommendations that can be taken from the results of this study include:

*** Increasing Psychological Support: Educational and Counseling Program to help dentists overcome stress and anxiety due to pandemic.**

Improving Teleconsultation Services

Improving the quality and accessibility of teleconsult services to overcome limitations in direct practice.

*** Assistance and Financial Assistance: Assistance and Financial Assistance Program for Dentists who have difficulty due to decreased income.**

Education and Socialization

Sustainable education and socialization regarding the latest health protocols and information related to COVID-19 to increase awareness and alertness.

Q: What is the future of dentistry in Medan City after the pandemic?

A: The pandemic has become an important momentum for dentists in the city of Medan to adapt and improve the quality of their services. With the right support, dentists can overcome the challenges faced and continue to provide optimal health services for the community.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought significant changes to people's lives, including for health professionals, especially dentists. This article aims to provide answers to frequently asked questions related to the impact of Pandemi Covid-19 on dentist's practice in Medan City. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by dentists and highlight the need for greater adaptation and support for dentists in dealing with challenging situations.