DENTISTS know how to reduce virus transmission.
However, they are much less confident that they can do it, a survey shows.
For example, 94 percent of dentists believe the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is important. Only 59 percent believe they can accomplish this task.
Some 65 percent believe it is important to reduce the airborne spread of aerosols; however, just 50 percent are confident they can.
These are the findings of a recent survey of more than 37,000 dental providers in America and conducted by DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement.
The DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement is a nonprofit organization that describes itself as working to enable better health through oral health.
The survey wanted to know just how comfortable dentists and dental practice managers are about putting in place good practices that prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
The survey results showed that confidence levels are low regarding the implementation of new and strict infection control protocols to reduce virus transmission.
It showed that dental providers know the changes that should be done to reduce the possibility of spreading COVID-19 infections. However, their level of confidence is another thing.
The survey found that 57 percent of dental practices were open for routine dental care. Some 31 percent of those surveyed were seeing patients on an emergency basis only.
The survey reflected that telehealth services are becoming a more prevalent means of delivering dental care.
Four in 10 dental provider respondents saw patients through teledentistry platforms or plan to do so in the near future.
Nine in 10 dental providers saw a drop in the volume of their patient visits, about half or 51 percent on average. Nearly three in four dental offices or 72 percent have either laid off or furloughed staff members because of the pandemic.
“Educating providers to prioritize minimally invasive treatment options as a first line of care is one way to improve confidence,’’ says Dr. Sean Boynes, Vice President of Health Improvement at the DentaQuest Partnership.
Silver diamine fluoride and temporary restorations with glass ionomers can reduce or slow cavities. They are just some of the first lines of defense that doesn’t require high-speed tools that generate aerosols.
Not only do they minimize infection, they can also ease patients’ fear of the dentist and can cost less in money and time, says Dr. Boynes.
“We’ve seen data on how dentists are navigating the pandemic, but no one has looked specifically at the oral health safety net,’’ says DentaQuest Partnership President and CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan.
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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 or text 0917-8591515./PN
