Ansiedad e indiferencia en la atención odontológica durante la pandemia COVID-19

AIM: At present, the population is affected by the immediate impact of the infection by SARS-CoV-2 (CO-VID-19), therefore, in dental care, the patient manifests anxiety and anguish, which causes a inadequate access to oral care services. Objective: To determine the relationship between anxiety and indifference in dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods: A quantitative, prospective, correlational, cross-sectional, descriptive design study carried out in 179 patients seen in the dental service of a medical center in Chimbote (Peru) who accepted their participation through informed consent. The survey technique was used, modified dental anxiety, anxiety dueto COVID-19 and dental indifference, questionnaires we reused as instruments. Data analysis required descriptive and inferential statistics, with a confidence level of 95%. Results: 66% presented moderate dental anxiety, 45% mildanxietydueto COVID-19 and 69% average indi-fference. Dental anxiety was significantly correlated with indifference. Conclusions: The Peruvian patients showed that, the greater the fear of dental care, the greater the lack of interest in their oral health.