Protecting Against COVID-19
The infection that causes COVID-19 can be spread through droplets of moisture that contain the coronavirus. Many dental procedures—like dental cleanings and fillings—can send droplets into the air, which puts dentists and dental staff members at increased risk of getting COVID-19. According to surveys, dentists and dental hygienists are taking steps to reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19.1 , 2
What are Dentists and the Dental Team Doing to Help?
Dental offices have worked to reduce the spread of infection for a long time. For example, dental offices disinfect treatment rooms between patients, including wiping down frequently touched equipment like chairs and countertops, following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association.3 , 4 But, surveys from 2021 show that dental offices are taking extra precautions to help control the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.1 , 2 Dental practices reported1 , 2
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asking patients and staff members about whether they have had symptoms of COVID-19 or been around people who have had those symptoms;
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encouraging social distancing between patients (by scheduling only a few patients to be in the office at a time, for example);
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providing face masks for patients to wear when not being treated.
In addition, most dental practices also said they provide face masks for staff members to wear at all times. Eight of 10 dentists said they wore a special mask that offered additional protection as well as glasses or goggles to protect themselves while treating patients, which makes the office safer for everyone. Many dental practices also added physical forms of protections such as barriers, open windows to increase the flow of air, or air filters.1
Why is regular dental care important?
In addition to your home oral care routine, it is important that you and your family see your dentist regularly—not just in an emergency. Regular dental visits are key to reducing the risk of getting cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer.
According to the US surgeon general, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease, and the risk of developing it continues into adulthood.5 Cavities and gum disease need to be prevented and treated because they can lead to tooth loss if not caught early. Your dentist will also be able to look at any signs of change in your mouth that could be linked to oral cancer.
Conclusion
It is important that you see your dentist regularly. Dentists are taking steps to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 to both patients and the dental staff to help provide safe dental care. Talk to your dentist about what is being done to prevent the spread of disease.
Footnotes
Prepared by Anita M. Mark, senior scientific content specialist, ADA Science and Research Institute, Chicago, IL.
Disclosure. Ms. Mark did not report any disclosures.
Copyright © 2021 American Dental Association. Unlike other portions of JADA, the print and online versions of this page may be reproduced as a handout for patients without reprint permission from ADA Publishing. Any other use, copying, or distribution of this material, whether in printed or electronic form, including the copying and posting of this material on a website, is prohibited without prior written consent of ADA Publishing.
“For the Patient” provides general information on dental treatments. It is designed to prompt discussion between dentist and patient about treatment options and does not substitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual patient’s needs and desires.
You can find more information for patients at ADAcatalog.org or at MouthHealthy.org.
References
- 1.Araujo M.W.B., Estrich C.G., Mikkelsen M. COVID-2019 among dentists in the United States: a 6-month longitudinal report of accumulative prevalence and incidence. JADA. 2021;152(6):425–433. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2021.03.021. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Estrich C.G., Gurenlian J.R., Battrell A. COVID-19 prevalence and related practices among dental hygienists in the United States. J Dent Hygiene. 2021;95(1):6–16. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 3.American Dental Association Get the return to work interim guidance toolkit. https://pages.ada.org/return-to-work-toolkit-american-dental-association Available at:
- 4.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines for infection control in dental health-care settings: 2003. MMWR. 2003;52(RR-17) [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 5.US Department of Health and Human Services 2000 Surgeon General’s report on oral health in America. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/data-statistics/surgeon-general Accessed April 19, 2021.