Factors Influencing Orthodontic Treatment Duration during COVID-19
Author(s): Sally Raed Muhammed* and D. Al Groosh
Abstract
Introduction: Coronavirus had huge impact on different aspects of life and orthodontics was one of the medical entities affected by the virus consequences. It interfered with regular follow ups and may compromised the treatment.
Aim of the study: To assess the relationship between treatment duration and the extraction treatment plan in addition to the number of clinicians and/or supervisors during COVID-19 pandemic.
Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of two groups, pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 groups with 88 and 62 patients respectively. Data was collected from the archived patient’s records in college of dentistry/department of orthodontics. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26 (SPSS v. 26).
Results: There was a significant increase in treatment duration associated with extraction cases in the pre-COVID-19 group, with no significant difference in COVID-19 group. The treatment duration was not associated with the number of postgraduates and/or the clinical supervisors responsible for the case.
Conclusion: It is possible that the quarantine time compromised the treatment duration in pre COVID -19 and COVID-19 groups.