UK oral surgeons' early response to the COVID-19 pandemic and impact on patient care

Introduction

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020, and all routine dental care in England was suspended on 25 March 2020. Oral surgeons typically continued their roles due to the requirement of surgical expertise in the management of urgent care.

Aims

To survey the British Association of Oral Surgeons' membership of 654 exploring the impact and response of the speciality in the early phase of the pandemic.

Methods

British Association of Oral Surgeons members were invited to participate in a weekly online survey commencing 30th March 2020 for 4 weeks. Themes explored included demographics, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), clinical role and care provided, and financial impact.

Results

400 responses were received over the 4-week period. Telephone advice was rapidly introduced ahead of clinical examinations. Few oral surgeons were initially able to provide emergency oral surgery procedures or clinical examinations due to PPE shortage. Only a small proportion of oral surgeons were required themselves to isolate and only a small proportion were redeployed.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted UK oral surgery services particularly in the early stage and highlight the lack of preparedness. As availability of PPE and evidence on aerosol-generating procedures and infection control became more readily accessible, surgeons became more confident to provide emergency surgical treatment rather than just phone consultations. The impact on patients' oral health is likely to have been profound.