Investigation of Patients' Perspectives on Dental Treatments and Institution Preferences In COVID-19 Normalization Process in Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate patients' opinions about dental practices and preventive measures and to compare their thoughts on transmission risk according to institutional preferences in the COVID-19 normalization process initiated in Turkey as of June 2020. Materials and Methods: As of June 2020, patients who applied to Oral and Dental Health Centers (ODHC), Dentistry Faculties, and private clinics filled out a questionnaire containing COVID-19 and patient-related questions. Study data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and the Chi-square test. Significance was evaluated at p<0.01 and p<0.05 levels. Results: A total of 765 patients (339 women, 426 men) participated in the study. It has been determined that 69.30% of the participants prefer private clinics for dental treatments, 18.80% of Dentistry Faculties, and 11.90% of ODHC. It was determined that there was a statistical relationship between the patients' state of thinking that they were adequately protected against the risk of COVID-19, the state of thinking that the COVID-19 epidemic was under control, and the state of concern by the crowd in the waiting area and institution preferences (p<0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to provide an environment where patients can apply safely, especially during the pandemic process. For this reason, it is very critical that ODHC and Dentistry Faculties provide an environment that will meet patient expectations, inform patients and contribute to the normalization process in terms of overcoming the pandemic with the least damage since it is the institutions with the highest number of patient applications. © 2020 Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University. All Rights Reserved.