Attitudes, Stressors and Work Outcomes related to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Dental Assistants in Germany: a cross-sectional Study

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has posed great challenges to medical professionals worldwide. Dental assistants (DAs) are at exceptionally high risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 due to frequent and close patient contact and involvement in various high-risk dental procedures. This study aimed to investigate attitudes, stressors and work outcomes among DAs at the first peak of the pandemic in Germany.

Methods A self-devised online questionnaire was published in early April 2020 comprising questions on SARS-CoV-2-related attitudes, stressors, and work outcomes. Validated scales assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety disorder. Logistic regression was performed to investigate possible determinants.

Results Among 1481 participating DAs (median age 35 years, 98.4 % female), major stressors were uncertainty about the pandemic’s temporal scope (97.9 % agreement), uncertainty about one’s financial situation (87.8 %), uncertainty about how to act correctly (87.6 %), and thoughts about a possible infection during work (83.8 %). Less than half of the DAs felt sufficiently prepared for dealing with SARS-CoV-2 patients. Only one in five agreed that material for personal protection was sufficiently available. Working in a dental practice - compared to orthodontic and maxillofacial surgery practices- was significantly associated with uncertainty about one’s financial situation and a reported lack of personal protective equipment. DAs who felt more burdened screened positive for major depression and generalized anxiety disorder and had poorer self-rated health.

Conclusions Our study is the first to investigate a variety of stressors, attitudes, and work-related outcomes among DAs during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found several significant determinants which can serve as starting points for interventions.

Publication History

Article published online:
02 September 2021