Home Dental Radiology COVID-2019 among dentists in the United States

COVID-2019 among dentists in the United States

by adminjay


Abstract

Background

In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the America Dental Association released COVID-19 infection control interim guidance for US dentists, advising the use of optimal personal protection equipment during aerosol-generating procedures. The aim of this longitudinal study was to determine the cumulative prevalence and incidence rates of COVID-19 among dentists and to assess their level of engagement in specific infection control practices.

Methods

US dentists were invited to participate in a monthly web-based survey from June through November 2020. Approximately one-third of initial respondents (n = 785) participated in all 6 surveys, and they were asked about COVID-19 testing received, symptoms experienced, and infection prevention procedures followed in their primary practice.

Results

Over a 6-month period, the cumulative COVID-19 infection prevalence rate was 2.6%, representing 57 dentists who ever received a diagnosis of COVID-19. The incidence rates ranged from 0.2% through 1.1% each month. The proportion of dentists tested for COVID-19 increased over time, as did the rate of dentists performing aerosol-generating procedures. Enhanced infection prevention and control strategies in the dental practice were reported by nearly every participant monthly, and rates of personal protection equipment optimization, such as changing masks after each patient, dropped over time.

Conclusions

US dentists continue to show a high level of adherence to enhanced infection control procedures in response to the ongoing pandemic, resulting in low rates of cumulative prevalence of COVID-19. Dentists are showing adherence to a strict protocol for enhanced infection control, which should help protect their patients, their dental team members, and themselves.

Practical Implications

COVID-19 infections among practicing dentists will likely remain low if dentists continue to adhere to guidance.

Key Words

Abbreviation Key:

ADA (American Dental Association), AGP (Aerosol-generating procedure), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), HCP (Health care provider), PPE (Personal protective equipment), SARs-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)

As of February 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2) has infected tens of millions worldwide with severe cases resulting in hospitalization and death. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is transmitted primarily through person-to-person contact, as well as via virus-containing droplets (5-12 μm) and aerosols (≤ 5 μm). Susceptible people may become infected if virus-containing respiratory droplets or aerosols settle on their mucosa or are inhaled.

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Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by aerosols, the rational use of masks, and protection of healthcare workers from COVID-19.