Abstract:

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the working experiences of dentists in field filiation team during the pandemic process. Subjects and Method: Qualitative research and phenomenological design were used in the study. Qualitative research and phenomenology were preferred in order to understand the meaning of experiences of dentists, who are working in the frontline of the service delivery process inTurkey during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study group was determined by snowball sampling method. Dentists who served in the field filiation team in the District Health Directorates affiliated to the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate or who served during the pandemic process were included in the study, and interviews were conducted between 05.01.2021 and 24.04.2021, on a voluntary basis, by phone calls and voice recordings. The data collection process was terminated after interviews with 10 dentists, as it was seen that the answers were repeating each other. The audio data obtained has been transcribed into written form in a computer environment. The 'Inductive Content Analysis' technique was used in the analysis. In the content analysis, the collected data were examined in detail and it was aimed to reach the codes, categories and themes that explain the data. Results: When the findings obtained in the research were analyzed, four main themes emerged in line with the opinions of the participants. These were; Working in the Pandemic Process, Like Inside a Science Fiction Movie, Reflections on Personal Life, Adapting to the Pandemic and Normalization, Post-Pandemic Process-Looking to the Future. Conclusion: The experience of the health personnel serving during the pandemic process and the interpretation of this experience are very important for the field of health management. Findings obtained in this study were discussed under the themes of “Working in the Pandemic Process; Like Inside a Science Fiction Movie”, “Reflections on Personal Life”, “Adapting to the Pandemic; Normalization”, “Post-Pandemic Process- “Looking to the Future”. The findings reveal the pandemic process and the experiences of the dentists in the field filiation team during this process.

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