Objectives:

To characterize the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety, fear, and stress among oral health professionals.

Methods:

We used an online self-applied questionnaire sent via email to three dental associations. Categorical variables were described using absolute and relative frequencies. Continuous variables were described using the mean and standard deviation. We used a multiple linear regression model to test whether the different variables in the questionnaire could predict anxiety.

Results:

The participation rate was 21.1%, and most participants were female (67.2%). The GAD-7 scale revealed that 18.3% of the professionals presented moderate and severe anxiety disorder and 39.5% mild anxiety. Almost all participants (86.7%) feared infecting family and friends. The new working conditions affected the daily life of 42.8% of the individuals. Being female, being afraid of infecting family and friends, the pandemic negatively affecting the profession, losing income, and new working conditions were statistically significant predictors for increased anxiety (p < 0.05). On the contrary, as the number of years of clinical practice increased, anxiety decreased significantly (p=0.006).

Conclusions:

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected oral health professionals. Prevention measures and infection control protocols must be strictly followed to decrease vírus transmission and, consequently, reduce the anxiety, stress, and fear felt by these professionals.

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