Among the many potential transmission sources in the spreading of the COVID-19, dental services have received a significant, if not over amount of attention. Several reports, papers, and guidelines have been released on how this infection could be transmitted through dental services and what should be done.
Nine of these studies were in a general consensus, advising that any elective non-emergency dental care for patients with suspected or known Covid-19 should be postponed for at least 2 weeks during the Covid-19 pandemic. But that is only for patients suspected of having or being in contact with Covid-19 carriers.
The New York Times noted that dentistry was the most at-risk profession for nCoV-19 compared to other various occupations[1]. Based on the nature of the dental procedures, and the proximity of the dental team with patients, the disease could readily spread from infected patients to the dental team, and vice versa, and subsequently to other patients, if appropriate protective infection control measurements are not undertaken.
However, the currently available evidence has not demonstrated a clear and direct relationship between dental treatment or surgery and the possibility of the transmission of COVID-19. In theory and definitely played up by the media, there is the potential for transmission, but the evidence doesn’t support it.
In fact, less than 1% of dentists and dental offices have tested positive for Covid-19. Why? Because we have developed protocols of infection control dating back to the advent of AIDS and minor modifications for Covid-19 were easily and effectively implemented. And the result, almost zero transmission from within the dental profession.
So, do not hesitate to see us for your oral-healthcare and other desired dentistry. Don’t let the over-hyped media cloud your judgement. We’re here to help you.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD
Hanna Orland, DMD
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Sandy Springs, Ga 30328
404-256-3620
and
3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road
Chamblee, GA 30341
770-455-6076
http://www.rightsmilecenter.com
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/15/business/economy/coronavirus-worker-risk.html