LAUSR

Introduction: The ongoing pandemic has transformed the entire structural and functional framework of the world including the medical and dental healthcare services. The current study intends to examine the pattern of dynamically changing working conditions and orthodontic treatment delivery during the various phases of pandemic. Method: An online survey was conducted using Google form for orthodontic specialists practicing in India. Information regarding the impact of the pandemic on various aspects like patient turnover, treatment demand, clinical management, and new challenges faced were analysed through a self-designed close-ended questionnaire for two phases. Phase I (March 2020 to September 2020) corresponded to the onset of COVID 19 pandemic and lockdown, whereas the Phase II (October 2020 to March 2021) coincided with the time of Unlock and resumption of activities thereafter. Results: The parameters showing similar trend in Phases I and II included the willingness of ongoing orthodontic patients to report for appointments, choice of treatment modality, number and type of emergencies, cost of materials, guidelines for work, and duration of non-delivery of orthodontic procedures. The new patients reporting, complex orthodontic therapy, tele-consultation, and financial wellbeing showed an improvement while the usage of personal protective equipment kit, fear amongst orthodontists reduced in Phase II. Conclusions: Challenging situations warrant prudent measures to combat and continue the essential services, especially those related to the healthcare. A detailed analysis of the various phases of the ongoing pandemic will enable us to devise suitable measures to ensure uninterrupted orthodontic treatment even in such critical times.