CHALLENGES FACED BY DENTISTS WORKING IN RURAL HEALTH CENTERS IN PUNJAB: COVID-19 PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by dentists working in rural health centers in Punjab, Pakistan. Data from 90 general dentists was collected from 45 RHCs in Punjab using cluster sampling. The data was collected via telephonic communication by extracting contact numbers from the official website of primary and secondary health care system. The results revealed that 64.6% of general dentists working in RHCs in Punjab are performing dental emergencies while knowing the
risk of being Corona positive which was contrary for performing elective dental procedures. The majority of dentists reported unnecessary emphases from the patient’s side (72.2%) for executing dental emergencies which was contrary in performing elective dental procedures. Patients’ rigid behavior was also reported by 88% of the dentists on treatment refusal due to covid-19 contagion while 12% of patients believed that covid-19 does not exist while considering it a political propaganda for funding from WHO.