The impact of covid-19 lockdown on maxillofacial related services at tertiary dental institution

Authors

  • Batlhalefi R Legalamitloa Department of Oral and maxillofacial Surgery, School of Oral Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4922-3822
  • Thifhelimbilu Munzhelele Department of Oral and maxillofacial Surgery, School of Oral Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0082-9391
  • Kabunda Syebele Department of Oral and maxillofacial Surgery, School of Oral Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0960-0822
  • Pagollang Motloba Head, Department of Community Dentistry, School of Oral Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1379-7576

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2021/v76no10a5

Keywords:

Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, pandemic, maxillofacial services,

Abstract

In the wake of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, many countries in the world instituted various protocols to limit the
spread of the disease and to reduce the burden on health care facilities. However, the unintended consequences of
these restrictions included the reduction of human mobility, limited access to health care services, resulting in delayed
or missed medical treatment. Aims The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restriction on maxillofacial services. Methodology This retrospective and descriptive study of patient’s clinical records, spanned from October 2019 to August 2020.This period included the pre-lockdown (October –December 2019) and the different lockdown (levels 5,4, and 3) periods.
Complete clinical patient records were included for analysis. Results The study revealed a 88%, 86%, and 45% decline in
maxillofacial and oral surgery consultations during levels 5, 4 and 3 respectively. Third molar impaction related complaints such as pericoronitis, pain and sepsis werethe predominant consultation motives during all levels of lockdown periods. Gender and age of patients had no impact on the consultation rates during the course of the study. Conclusion The Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown restrictions affected the service provision for maxillofacial patients seen at this institution.

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Author Biography

Pagollang Motloba, Head, Department of Community Dentistry, School of Oral Health Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University



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Published

2022-01-17

How to Cite

Legalamitloa, B. R. ., Munzhelele, T. ., Syebele, K. ., & Motloba, P. (2022). The impact of covid-19 lockdown on maxillofacial related services at tertiary dental institution. South African Dental Journal, 76(10), 613–617. https://doi.org/10.17159/2519-0105/2021/v76no10a5

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