Charting the Path Forward: Lessons from COVID-19 for Future Pandemics

Abstract

Abstract: Charting the Path Forward: Lessons from COVID-19 for Future Pandemics

Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and impact of COVID-19 on dental practices in comparison to other specialties in order to determine the implications for dental practitioners.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the department of Operative Dentistry, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, JSMU, Karachi from 7^th august to 5^th September 2021.

Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted amongst medical and dental practitioners working in clinic or hospital setting in Sindh province. It was a questionnaire based quantitative survey.

Results: Based on infectivity, our investigation did not find any significant differences between general practitioners and dentists. Regarding effect on monthly income, 42% had 0% impact, 38.6% had 25% impact, 13.6% had 75% impact and 5.7% had 100% impact on their monthly income. Around 35.2% participants got debt to manage their financial situation, whereas 8% went bankrupt by this pandemic.

Conclusion: Our research revealed that the main issue facing private practitioners was financial strain. The COVID-19 epidemic has brought to light the extreme financial hardship experienced by private healthcare providers in Pakistan, underscoring the pressing necessity of making thorough plans for contingencies of the future.