The coronavirus has hit the dental industry

The number of patients visiting dentists on Saaremaa, Estonia, decreased significantly in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. According to Saarte Hääl, approximately 1,700 fewer people sought dental care in 2020 compared to 2019. Data from the Institute for Public Health indicates that in 2019, 16,098 individuals visited a dentist on Saaremaa, while in 2020, the number dropped to 14,731.

The number of children under 14 receiving dental care also decreased, falling from 4,987 to 3,046. In 2019, there were 34,126 dental visits recorded, compared to 30,201 in 2020. Dentist Mai-Liis Sumberg of the Dental Clinic in Kuressaare attributed the decline in patient numbers to the spread of the coronavirus, which emerged on Saaremaa in the spring of 2020.

During several months, access to dental care was limited due to restrictions. The clinic operated with a reduced staff, often with only one dentist working at a time, and initially only provided emergency care. Many individuals refrained from seeking dental treatment due to high infection rates, with restrictions preventing adults and children exhibiting symptoms such as coughs and colds from visiting.

Sumberg also noted that the pandemic impacted the economic situation of residents in the Saare County, making expensive dental care less accessible. Operational changes were also affected by the pandemic, requiring staff to adhere to Department of Health guidelines and utilizing protective equipment.

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