Willingness and Ability of Dental Healthcare Workers to Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background The 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic continues to disrupt dental practice in the United States. Dental health care workers (DHCWs) play an integral role in societal health, yet little is known about their willingness and ability to work during a pandemic.background

Methods DHCWs completed a survey distributed on dental specific Facebook groups for an eight-week period (May 2020-June 2020) about their willingness and ability to work during the COVID-19 pandemic, barriers to working, and willingness to take a COVID-19 vaccine.

Results 459 surveys were returned. Only 53% of dentists, 33% of hygienists, 29% of assistants and 48% of non-clinical staff would be able to work a normal shift during the pandemic, while even fewer (50%, 18%, 17%, 38% respectively) would be willing to work a normal shift. Barriers included caring for family, a second job and personal obligations and were faced by assistants and hygienists. Dentists were more likely than hygienists (p<0.001), assistants (p<0.001) and non-clinical staff (p=0.014) to take a COVID-19 vaccine.results

Conclusions DHCWs have a decreased ability and willingness to report to work during a pandemic, with dentists being significantly more able and willing to work than hygienists and assistants. Dentists are more likely than staff to take a COVID-19 vaccine.