PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

COVID-19 infections among practicing dentists will likely remain low if dentists continue to adhere to guidance.

The researchers found that 99.7% of the dentists had implemented enhanced infection prevention and control procedures, including -

• disinfecting all equipment and surfaces that are commonly touched,
• checking staff and patient temperatures,
• screening patients for COVID-19,
• encouraging distance between patients while waiting,
• providing face masks to staff,

• using PPE when treating patients 

COVID-19 Infection among US Dentists Continue to Be Very Low

• In a large-scale longitudinal study among US dentists the cumulative prevalence rate during the 6-month study was 2.6%, with monthly incidence rates ranging from 0.2% through 1.1%.

• Enhanced infection prevention and control strategies in the dental practice were reported by at least 99.7% of dentists each month, with no significant changes over time.

• The near universal adoption of enhanced personal protective equipment per the interim CDC guidance has led to low cumulative prevalence and monthly incidence rates of COVID-19 among US dentists.

• Strict adherence to enhanced infection control permits oral health care to be delivered safely.

Fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide were estimated to be COVID-19 positive as of June, according to an American Dental Association Science & Research Institute and Health Policy Institute study.

CONCLUSIONS

US dentists continue to show a high level of adherence to enhanced infection control procedures in response to the ongoing pandemic, resulting in low rates of cumulative prevalence of COVID-19.

Dentists are showing adherence to a strict protocol for enhanced infection control, which should help protect their patients, their dental team members, and themselves.

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