How did the opportunity to participate in the study come about, and what does it represent for you?
In March 2021, Dr Francisco Guinot Jimeno, head of the Odontopediatrics Area at UIC Barcelona, suggested that I collaborate in this multi-centre study. It is a great opportunity for me both academically and professionally. It has also allowed me to meet some wonderful people from the University of Coimbra, so it has had a personal impact on my life as well.
What is the most interesting thing about this study in the field of dentistry?
The subject of this study is especially interesting because it details the impact of lockdown, a direct consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the attitudes, behaviour, and oral health of children and adolescents across Spain and Portugal.
With what hypothesis did you begin your research?
The hypothesis we started with was that the lockdown caused significant changes to the daily lives of children and adolescents, and we have also received reports of significant changes to children’s behaviour and habits in terms of their health.
What methodology was used to obtain the results?
The study involved conducting a semi-structured online survey, which was sent to the caregivers of 770 children aged 3-17 years old, and looked at socio-demographic characteristics, children's oral hygiene practices, access to dental care and dietary habits during the pandemic. We estimated that completing the survey would take no more than five minutes.
What results do you expect to obtain from your research?
Most parents are expected to report changes in their child's routine during the pandemic, and a significant increase in the intake of sugars as a main food group. In terms of oral hygiene habits, we envisage an increase in the frequency of brushing. In addition, we believe that during the COVID-19 lockdown, there was a reduction in paediatric dental care services compared to before, for fear of transmission and infection.
As a student of the Master's Degree in Comprehensive Paediatric and Hospital Dentistry, how has the knowledge you have gained from this Master's degree contributed to your involvement in the project?
The Master's degree has helped me acquire a great deal of knowledge in paediatric dentistry and research, from correctly carrying out a bibliographic search to drawing up a research project, always following established protocols including ethics.
The project is carried out in collaboration with the University of Coimbra. What role has the Portuguese university played?
The University of Coimbra’s Institute for Paediatric Dentistry and Preventive Dental Medicine is collaborating with UIC Barcelona by launching the project and circulating the survey to children in Portugal, by which we will be able to obtain broader results. These will be merged with the data obtained on children in Spain.
What role has the Paediatric Dentistry Area at UIC Barcelona played in this research?
The University’s Paediatric Dentistry Area has designed a novel research project in which we will disseminate an online survey that will help us obtain results that respond to our hypotheses.
How would you like this study to contribute to the field of dentistry?
The study’s main objective is to help outline and implement public health strategies aimed at promoting oral health among children during and after pandemics.
