The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dental-maxillofacial emergency service of a German university hospital in the year 2020

• DOI: 10.1007/s00784-021-04010-7
• Publication Date: 2021-06-26T08:02:36Z
• Authors: D. G. E. Thiem; M. Polsak; P. Römer; M. Gielisch; S. Blatt; B. Al-Nawas; P. W. Kämmerer
• Keywords: Pandemic; Demographics

COVID-19 is considered one of the most serious pandemic in history and has posed major challenges to world's health care. Dentistry oral maxillofacial surgery (CMFS) are particularly affected due direct exposure respiratory tract, as reservoir SARS-CoV-2. In this study, impact COVID-19-pandemic on a dental CMFS emergency services Germany 2020 was first time investigated correlated with governmental restriction measures public life.Epidemiological data German University Hospital were analysed from total 8386 patients 2019 2020. Parameters included information demographics, time, weekday reason for presentation, well diagnosis therapy performed. Data compared those 2019, taking into account nationwide periods life restrictions.In 2020, 22% fewer presented via service. monthly comparison, there negative peaks up - 41% November, but also plus 26% July. The largest decreases recorded during lockdown spring (- 33%) winter 39%). Further, threefold increase actual emergencies inpatient admissions revealed these (p < 0.001).COVID-19 had significant service resulting more severe cases.This study underlines importance maintaining an system basic outpatient care specialities, which requires uniform recommendations medical-dental societies politics.