Effect of COVID-19 on dental services:

COVID-19 has caused intensive measures to be put in place to protect public health and this has caused long-term implications which are still being resolved to date. When the pandemic measures were put into place in dental clinics, they were required to place infection control protocols, use personal protective equipment (PPE) and limit patient contact to prevent the spread of infections across the nation.¹ This led to limited patient contact where mainly emergency dental cases were the centre of attention for dental clinics. These protocols had inadvertently contributed to severe backlogging to dental care which still hasn’t been resolved and still affects patient’s oral health today.²

Consequences of backlogging in dental care:

The backlog in dental services has had far-reaching consequences as it has resulted in consequences for public health. This is because untreated dental issues could result in more health issues if not treated at the right time. Dental diseases if left untreated can exacerbate and lead to various conditions such as tooth loss, health problems, and periodontal disease and without intervention, it can lead to more serious treatment plans which could be very costly.³

Backlogging in dental care has had a severe impact on vulnerable populations like the elderly and children. Children are at a prime stage of development and if their dental care is not addressed properly, it can lead to long-term problems such as health decline, reducing their quality of life. The elderly, often suffering from other issues too, can feel stressed and anxious about their dental problems. This would eventually affect their self-esteem, confidence and have negative psychological impacts.

Moreover, the backlog has severe consequences on those individuals with limited access to private dental services often rely solely on public options, which are more affected by backlogs. These patients may face longer waiting times, reduced availability of appointments, and fewer resources to seek alternative care, leading to worsening oral health outcomes compared to those who can afford timely private treatment.⁴

Addressing the backlog: strategic approaches:⁵

Addressing the backlog is essential and with strategic approaches, backlog in dental care can be reduced to ensure patients are diagnosed and treated. Here are some ways dentists reduce backlogging in appointments:

Prioritisation of Emergency Cases:⁶

Implementing a triage system

Addressing patients with most prime conditions to be treated first (severe pains, infections, oral cancers). This will prevent patients’ conditions becoming more serious and fatal.

Increasing hours and staff:⁷

Another strategy to alleviate the backlog is extending practice hours and, where possible, increasing staffing levels. By offering evening or weekend appointments, dental practices can accommodate more patients without overwhelming their regular daytime schedules. Additionally, bringing in temporary staff or hiring additional dental professionals could help increase the practice’s capacity to see more patients.

Tele-dentistry:⁸

When the pandemic arrived, telehealth services became prime in managing backlog. Dentists started using virtual consultations to assess patients, provide advice, and determine right treatment plans. It allowed minor dental issues to be addressed remotely which became time-efficient, freeing up more appointment slots too allowing more critical cases to be dealt with first.

Community dental programs:⁹

Community dental programs being set up can benefit people living in a particular location to receive right dental care, particularly in underserved areas. Screenings and dental care can be provided too through mobile dental clinics and pop-up community clinics to manage patient care. Screenings and dental care can be provided by mobile dental clinics and pop-up community clinics to manage less severe cases to reduce strain on traditional dental practices. This will help to provide public health education, encouraging good oral hygiene and requiring less intensive care.

Partnering with private practices:⁹

NHS dental services are under a lot of strain so partnering with private dental services, partnerships and private dental practices can help manage the backlog. NHS patients can be referred to private practice for certain procedures (costs subsidised by the government). This will reduce waiting time and allow patients to access a range of other services too.

Unique treatment plans:¹⁰

Organising group appointments for routine procedures (e.g., cleanings/check-ups), could also help manage the backlog. This can help manage multiple patients within a time frame, reducing waiting time for appointments.

The ripple effect of dental care:¹¹

The backlog in dental care has caused a ripple effect that extends beyond oral health. For many patients, dental issues are not isolated but are linked to broader health concerns. For instance, dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay have been linked to a higher risk of systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Strain on the healthcare system is affected when dental care is delayed, and this results in dental problems becoming more serious and having various consequences. Furthermore, it can have significant psychological and social impacts on an individual’s lifestyle leading to stress, anxiety, and a reduced quality of life, affecting their appearance, confidence, and social interactions with others.

Addressing the policies:¹²

It is essential that policies are changed to address the backlog properly. The government should support expanding dental services and investment in community health programs. Extra funding from the government would help subsidise the costs of extending practice hours, hiring additional staff, and implementing new technologies like tele-dentistry.

Future:¹³

Lessons from the pandemic provide a valuable foundation for building a more resilient and accessible dental care system, prepared for future public health challenges, and ensuring timely patient care.

FAQs

What are the current safety protocols for dental visits?³

Safety protocols:

• Enhanced infection control measures
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Air filtration systems

How will dentists manage the backlog?³

• Strategic planning
• Dealing with emergency cases first

Benefits of air filtration systems in dental clinics?³

Advanced air filtration systems to reduce airborne contaminants.

What are the long-term plans to prevent future dental clinic backlogs?¹³

Long-term plans such as dental care infrastructure, increasing workforce capacity and adopting technologies to streamline care and reduce appointment wait times therefore improving patient care delivered.

Read on:

If you enjoyed reading this article from Klarity, we think you will enjoy reading:

Teledentistry: Expanding Access To Dental Care And Consultations In Remote Areas

What Is Oral Hygiene

Orthodontic Emergencies And How To Handle Them

Dental Pain: Aching Teeth And Oral Health

Summary

As the UK adjusts to the post-pandemic era, balancing safety with accessibility in dental care is essential. Key strategies will involve flexible adjustments to protocols, such as gradually easing infection control measures, enhancing staff training, and using advanced air filtration systems. While challenges remain, strategic planning, supportive policies, and innovation will help address the backlog and improve oral health. The lessons learned during the pandemic provide a strong foundation for creating a more resilient and accessible dental care system for the future.