Today, the WHO issued a statement advising against “routine” dental care during this pandemic. See the statement from the American Dental Association which correctly states the importance of your oral health. Avoiding routine care can and may lead to much more involve and invasive treatment, much of which can be prevented with routine care and x-rays.
We have been open since May 6, after closing for 7 weeks, and are so thankful to our patients for understanding the importance of their oral health, following our new safety protocols, and their appreciation for the service and care we provide. During a crisis such as this, you understand and appreciate the importance of the relationships you have with people. We are blessed to have such amazing families, friends, co-workers, and our patients who have stuck by and with us over the past 5 months.
Keep smiling and we look forward to seeing you for all your oral health needs, now and into the future.
CHICAGO, August 12, 2020 —The American Dental Association (ADA) respectfully yet strongly disagrees with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to delay “routine” dental care in certain situations due to COVID-19.
“Oral health is integral to overall health. Dentistry is essential health care,” states ADA President Chad P. Gehani, D.D.S. “Dentistry is essential health care because of its role in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.”
Dr. Gehani added that in March, when COVID-19 cases began to rise in the U.S., the ADA called for dentists to postpone all but urgent and emergency care in order to understand the disease, consider its effect on dental patients, dental professionals and the greater community.
Both the ADA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) then issued interim guidance for dental professionals related to COVID-19. The ADA’s guidance calls for the highest level of PPE available—masks, goggles and face shields. The ADA’s interim guidance also calls for the use of rubber dams and high velocity suction whenever possible and hand scaling when cleaning teeth rather than using ultrasonic scaling to minimize aerosols.
Dr. Gehani concludes, “Millions of patients have safely visited their dentists in the past few months for the full range of dental services. With appropriate PPE, dental care should continue to be delivered during global pandemics or other disaster situations.”
