AIM:

At present, the population is affected by the immediate impact of the infection by SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-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 indifference. 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.

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