Dentistry and Oral Health

Abstract

This study aims to explore the experiences of the Dental Officers (DOs) and Dental Managers (DMs) in Fiji while delivering dental services to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: This qualitative study was conducted in the government dental clinics, private dental clinics and the School of Dentistry and Oral Health clinic (SDOH), in the Central Division, Fiji in 2021. Using purposive sampling, 30 DOs and 17 DMs were chosen for this study. Semi-structured open-ended questionnaires were used for data collection through in-depth interviews via zoom. Manual thematic analysis of the data was conducted. Results: Six themes had emerged including; Dental service delivery, Challenges, barriers and opportunities, Practitioner knowledge and skills, Ethical concerns during the pandemic, Organisational preventive strategies and Behavioural preventive strategies. Majority felt their quality of services had improved or remained the same, due to improved infection control practices in place. The major challenges faced by the participants were; psychological impact, economic impact and difficulty in communicating with patients. Several policies and strategies were implemented to combat the novel corona virus and it’s spread in a dental setting. Conclusion: This study highlighted that the dental settings, services, and practitioners were affected by the pandemic in various ways, which led to the formulation of various preventative strategies at the different workplaces. A lot is needed in terms of upgrading facilities and resources to be able to combat the effects of this evolutionary virus and to be able to continue providing dental services during such trying times.

Biography

Dr Kartika Kajal has completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University in 2017, at the age of 23. She has also done a Master of Health Service Management course from the same University in 2022. She is a budding researcher and has publised 3 papers with others still in progress. Dr Kartika has served the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and is currently employeed as a dental academic at the School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Fiji National University.