The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Pediatric Dental Oral Health

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to assess the differences between patients seen at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (COVID) with age, sex and insurance matched control patients (controls) one year prior and compare caries index (dmft/DMFT), loss to follow up and time to first recall. Methods: A retrospective chart review of new patients seen at a UIC affiliated clinic 3/1-14/20. Age and gender matched controls seen 3/1-31/19 were assessed. Inclusion criteria: patients <18, medically healthy, new to clinic. Assessed baseline dmft/DMFT, time (weeks) to first recall, and recall dmft/DMFT. Results: A total of 256 patients in each group were analyzed. Mean age 5.36 (SD=3.448); Female = 48.1%. There is significantly higher recall failure (COVID=90; Control=68; P=.038) and longer median lapsed time between initial and recall visits (COVID=42; Control=31; P<.001) for the COVID group than the control group. The dmft and DMFT for each group increased from initial to recall [COVID: baseline dmft=4.48 (4.094; Recall dmft=5.55(4.768); P<.001; Baseline DMFT=0.41(1.417); Recall DMFT=0.42(1.277); P<.001][Control: baseline dmft= 4.21(4.055); Recall dmft: COVID=4.49(4.242); P<.001; Baseline DMFT=0.44(1.354); Recall DMFT= 0.53(1.409; P<.001]. The change in mean dmft and DMFT between the COVID and control group was significantly higher in the COVID group (P<.001; P=.042). Conclusions: Patients seen during the pandemic time frame were loss to follow up (lacked recalls) at higher rates, had delayed recalls and had a higher caries experience (dmft) compared with patients seen one year prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic negatively impacted pediatric oral health parameters.