Hall Technique- Usage Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic and Now.

Savage T, Garcia M, Jordan E

The University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry, San Antonio, TX 78229

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey the membership of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) to determine if usage of the Hall Technique has increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A 12 item questionnaire about the usage of Hall Technique and respondents’ demographics was sent to the AAPD membership.

Results: The total number of respondents was 361 (4.5%).  Of the respondents, 346 (96%) were pediatric dentists, while 15 (4%) were general dentists.  Two hundred forty-nine (69%) of the respondents have practiced dentistry for over 15 years and 112 (31%) have practiced for under 15 years.  There was found to be a 12% increase in usage of Hall Technique since the pandemic.  One hundred sixty-eight (47%) stated that they did not use the Hall Technique prior to COVID-19 pandemic.  Two hundred eleven (59%) reported that they have utilized the Hall Technique.  Thirty-eight (11%) of the respondents who stated that they were already using the Hall Technique prior to the pandemic, are using the technique at a higher frequency now due to COVID-19 pandemic.  Fifty (15%) of respondents indicated an increased use of Hall Technique due to limited access of operating rooms since the pandemic.   

Conclusion: Due to the challenges the pandemic has brought upon delivery of health care, including limited access to operating room, adjustments have been made to halt progression of dental caries for pediatric patients.  The use of Hall Technique has increased in usage since the COVID-19 pandemic.