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