Dental practice in Pre- COVID19 and Future Perspectives

ObjectivesTo assess the trends in dental practice in pre-COVID19 times and future perspectives. MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted among the dental professionals across India. The snowball and convenience sampling methods were used to ensure maximum participation of the subjects. An online structured questionnaire was created using free-access Google Forms application and was sent to the dental professionals via E-mail, WhatsApp mobile application and through other social media platforms. Initially, a pilot study was conducted among 30 dentists to check for the validity. The questionnaire was administered between the months of May 2020 - July 2020 and was sent to 650 dentists from various parts of the country. Data were compiled and subjected to statistical analysis. ResultsThe questionnaire was sent to 650 dental professionals. Out of 650, 120 (18.4%) participants took part in the survey. Majority of the respondents had 1 to 3 years of experience in dental practice (n=51, 42.5%). It was noted that majority of the participants were into consultation practice (n=69, 57.5%). 65.8% participants reported that they can withstand upto 6 months from economic view point. Difficulty in paying salaries, reduced incomes is some of the main problems encountered by dental professionals. Increasing the price of treatment, reducing co-workers are a few strategies planned by dental professionals to mitigate the economic burden caused by COVID19 pandemic. ConclusionMajority of dental professionals in India are dependent on private practice and consultation practice. Due to COVID19, source of income has disrupted for majority of the younger dental professionals.