What question did this study set out to answer?

This study aims to assess face mask usage patterns and the associated adverse experiences of dental professionals following the COVID-19 pandemic.

April 26, 2026

Face Mask Usage among Dental Practitioners at the Workplace after the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Adverse Effects: A Cross-Sectional Survey

ABAarti S. BediaBharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University SVSreenivasan VenkatramanBharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University SSSanpreet Singh SachdevBharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University

Key Points

This study aims to assess face mask usage patterns and the associated adverse experiences of dental professionals following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cross-sectional survey conducted over 2 months (October–December 2022) at a dental institute in Navi Mumbai.
A validated 30-item questionnaire was administered through direct interviews to 115 dental professionals via convenience sampling.
Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including Chi-square procedures and Spearman correlation.
82.19% response rate with predominantly female BDS graduates.
Many reported discomfort such as facial irritation, breathing difficulties, and communication challenges while counseling patients.
Common dermatological issues included xerostomia, halitosis, acne, and dermatitis, with symptom patterns showing limited variation based on mask-wear duration.

Abstract

Objectives: Although masking requirements have eased after the COVID-19 pandemic, many dental professionals continue to wear face masks in clinical settings for extended periods. This study assessed post-pandemic mask-wearing patterns among dental professionals and documented self-reported adverse experiences and functional difficulties associated with routine mask use. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted over 2 months (October– December 2022) at a dental institute in Navi Mumbai. A validated 30-item instrument was administered through direct interviews. The final analyzable sample comprised 115 dental professionals recruited by convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including Chi-square procedures, and Spearman correlation to examine relationships with mask-wear duration, and non-parametric comparisons across mask types, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The response rate was 82.19%. Participants were predominantly female, and most were BDS graduates. A substantial proportion reported discomfort and functional challenges during prolonged mask use, particularly facial irritation, sweating, perceived breathing difficulty, and communication-related problems in patient counseling. Oral and dermatological concerns such as xerostomia, halitosis, acne, and dermatitis were also commonly reported. Overall, symptom patterns showed limited variation with workplace mask-wear duration and were largely comparable across mask types, while selected outcomes demonstrated meaningful differences across use contexts and mask categories. Conclusion: Dental professionals reported a notable symptom burden and workplace functional difficulties related to routine mask use in the post-pandemic period. These findings support reinforcing mask hygiene and personal care measures, adopting feasible workplace mitigation strategies, and considering ergonomic mask design improvements to reduce discomfort during prolonged use.

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