ON JUNE 10, many American dentists launched a new grassroots movement to encourage public confidence about the safety of dental practices.
It goes without saying that dentists worldwide, here and in the United States, have always put the safety of patients at the forefront.
This time, however, it is important to emphasize that the extra mile has been taken to ensure patient safety during the coronavirus pandemic.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that dentists across the United States have treated over half a million dental emergencies with no reports of COVID-19 infection traced to a dental practice.
In spite of this remarkable statistic, there is still a significant number of patients who are afraid to visit their dentists and other healthcare providers, reports Globe Newswire, an online news service.
It cites reports that a large population of American patients are suffering from untreated dental issues due to fears from entering a dental office. Indeed, it says, nearly one-third of American adults in the U.S. and half of all seniors reported delaying medical care in April due to fears of contamination at medical facilities.
The American Dental Association reports that the average weekly patient visits were down 82 percent in early May. While concerns about safety are understandable, experts believe the health consequences of delaying needed dental care are an even greater risk.
The Mayo Clinic also reports a link between dental health and overall health and well-being, including complications associated with extreme pain, infection, pregnancy, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS.
According to Globe Newswire, poor oral hygiene has also been linked to COVID-19 complications, particularly in patients suffering with diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Research shows that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body, the online news service says. It says maladies of the mouth, including gum disease, may be linked with other medical conditions including oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and more.
The #DentalSAFETY, a grassroots movement in the United States, is asking American dentists to post a brief video on Instagram (and other social media platforms).
The message – patient safety has and always will be every dentist’s highest priority.
The message continues that extraordinary safety measures have been adopted at dental clinics to protect patients from the COVID-19 virus. There is no need for patients to suffer from untreated dental issues. Delaying care can lead to serious health risks and unneeded financial burden.
That’s a message that Filipino dentists might want to consider in putting patients at ease with their concerns over the safety of dental procedures in these extraordinary times.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim is the former Associate Dean of the UE College of Dentistry, former Dean of the College of Dentistry, National University, past president and honorary fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy, and honorary fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists. Honorary Life Member of Thai Association of Dental Implantology. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-859151./PN
