Family Dentistry COVID-19 Rate Less Than 1%
Family dentistry is quite safe, according to an American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute study. The study estimated that fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide were COVID-19 positive as of June.
According to the ADA, “Estimating COVID-19 Prevalence and Infection Control Practices Among US Dentists,” published online ahead of print by The Journal of the American Dental Association, is the first large-scale collection and publication of U.S. dentists’ infection rates and infection control practices related to COVID-19.
Interim guidance from both the ADA and CDC calls for family dentistry professionals to use the highest level of personal protective equipment available, including masks, goggles and face shields. The ADA guidance also recommends that family dentistry professionals minimize aerosols by using rubber dams and high-velocity suction whenever possible, and hand scaling instead of ultrasonic scaling when cleaning teeth. At Olathe Dental Care Center, we follow these precautions to the letter.
In March, The New York Times listed family dentistry as one of the professions at highest risk of COVID-19 infection based on data from O*NET, a database maintained by the U.S. Department of Labor. It was presumed that virus transmission could occur because of the close proximity between dental professionals and patients, and because many dental procedures generate aerosols that may contain viral particles from infected individuals.
“The fact that dentistry was named one of the most at-risk professions for infection, but has a far lower prevalence of infection compared to other health professions, is not a coincidence,” said Marko Vujicic, Ph.D., chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute. “The profession has taken this issue extremely seriously, and it shows. We will continue to track the rate of COVID-19 among dentists and other facets of the pandemic affecting dentistry so it can help inform the dental profession and other industries as well.”
“Understanding the risks associated with COVID-19 transmission in the dental setting is critical to improving patient and dental team safety,” Dr. Araujo said. “This study brings us another step forward in understanding what works. Dentists are following ADA and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, and it’s helping to keep the dental team and their patients as safe as possible.”
When you seek ODCC family dentistry services, you will receive competent, caring dental care in a relaxed environment from a team of professionals who are dedicated to your safety, comfort and well-being. Click here to request an appointment.
Olathe Dental Care Center
913-782-1420
234 South Cherry St
Olathe KS 66061
