LAUSR

Objectives To assess general anxiety levels in endodontists and dental assistants related to different conditions during the pandemic and lockdown, and to evaluate hemodynamic changes in endodontists' heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygenation during their workday. Methods Anxiety levels in endodontists and dental assistants were recorded weekly during the state of alarm declared due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored using a sphygmomanometer for HR and blood pressure, and a pulse oximeter for SpO2. Measurements were taken before and after each root canal treatment, as well as on arrival at the clinic and at the end of the working day. Rest data, recorded every Saturday, served as a control. Data analysis was performed using X2 and paired T-Tests, Mann-Whitney, and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05). Results General anxiety decreased over the weeks, with significant differences between weeks one and four (p < 0.05). Endodontists perceived higher anxiety levels of anxiety during anesthesia inoculation and dental assistants during the dental unit’s disinfection and equipment material (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in the cardiovascular response in all endodontists in the clinic registrations compared with rest data (p < 0.05). Values were higher in the strict confinement period and significant for HR when arriving at the clinic (p < 0.05). Conclusions Levels of general anxiety were higher during the first weeks. The chief perceived factors related to anxiety in endodontists and dental assistants were the risk of contagion and protection measures. Higher HR and blood pressure levels were registered during the workday, especially when arriving at the clinic.