Socioeconomic effects of covid-19 among Brazilian dentists at the beginning of the pandemic

This study aimed to investigate possible socioeconomic impacts that COVID-19 would cause among Brazilian dentists. An opinion poll was conducted through an online questionnaire containing socioeconomic and demographic aspects of 1240 Brazilian dentists, in addition to questions about the risks of dental care and the practice of professionals during the second week of social isolation in most states in Brazil. A total of 78.1% of dentists considered the risk of contamination high during an appointment, 89.8% were in social isolation (p <0.001), and dentists in the south (60.2%) were the ones who attended most during the visit. pandemic (p = 0.006). When compared to women, men were able to make a financial reserve to face such situations (p <0.001), however, 75.8% estimated being without income between one month (44.6%) and two months (31.2%). Those between 6 and 10 years of graduation were those who said they can spend more time without income during the pandemic (p = 0.026). Professionals who have children, in addition to being primarily responsible for maintaining household expenses, are those whose private practice has employees (p <0.001). It is concluded that, as most dental professionals are self-employed, their income was significantly compromised and few had the reserve to face the interruption of their activities for more than three months. The importance of dental services in health and the economy must be taken into account in the sense that public policies are directed towards the economic restoration of the category.