The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Hygienists' Stress and Workplace Conditions in Japan.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019 and led to unprecedented global lockdowns, disrupting numerous industries, including dentistry. This study aimed to investigate the practicing conditions, personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, and impact of the pandemic on dental hygienists (DHs) in Japan, where strict lockdowns were not enforced but compliance to reduce infection spread was high, and healthcare clinics remained open.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilised an online survey distributed to 354 dental hygiene vocational school graduates in Tokyo, Japan, between May 9 and June 5, 2022. The questionnaire, adapted from a New Zealand Dental & Oral Health Therapists Association survey, collected data on demographics, practicing conditions, the impact of

SUBMITTER: Takemae R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12748027 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature