COVID-19 Rate Among Dentists Less Than 1%

The ADA News (10/15, Versaci) reports that an ADA Science & Research Institute (ADASRI) and Health Policy Institute study found “fewer than 1% of dentists nationwide” were “estimated to have a confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection” as of June. “This is very good news for dentists and patients,” said Dr. Marcelo Araujo, PhD, CEO of the ADASRI, chief science officer of the ADA, and senior author of the report. “This means that what dentists are doing – heightened infection control and increased attention to patient and dental team safety – is working.” The findings were published online ahead of print by The Journal of the American Dental Association.

        NBC News (10/15, Syal) reports that the “researchers conducted a nationwide survey June 8 with responses from more than 2,000 dentists from across the country,” finding 0.9% “had either confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19.” The survey also found that 99.7% of dentists “were using what was referred to as ‘enhanced infection control procedures.’”

        Healthline (10/15, Pugle ) reports that Marko Vujicic, PhD, chief economist and vice president of the ADA Health Policy Institute, said, “The fact that dentistry was named one of the most at-risk professions for infection, but has a far lower prevalence of infection compared to other health professions, is not a coincidence.” He added, “The profession has taken this issue extremely seriously, and it shows.”