IMPACT ON TRAUMATIC DENTAL INJURIES ATTENDANCE TO PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT IN GOVERNMENT DENTAL COLLEGE SRINAGAR DURING COVID- 19 PERIOD: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Dr. Mohamad Arshid Khanday* M.D.S; and Dr. Nazia Lone, M.D.S.

ABSTRACT

Aim and objectives: In December 2019, a novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan City, and a retrospective analysis is necessary to provide clinicians with the characteristics of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) during the epidemic. The aim of this study was to assess how COVID-19 has impacted traumatic dental attendances in our department. Methodology: All patients treated for TDIs in the ThePedodontc and preventive dentistry at Govt Dental College and hospital were involved in this retrospective study. A retrospective service evaluation of attendances to a paediatric emergency department with traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) and comparing the COVID-19 affected months june-November 2020 to the same time frame in 2019. Results: Regarding the reason of injury, fall injuries comprised the most commonly encountered cases both before (57%) and after the start of the pandemic (60%). During the study time period, there was a statistically significant reduction in the number of patients visiting to the department for TDI treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Unless dental practices have the appropriate PPE and follow strict infection prevention and control guidance, face-to-face consultation may not be possible. If treatment is required, this is based on minimum intervention and avoidance of aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) on patients who are free of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19, maxillofacial trauma, transmission control measures, traumatic dental injuries.