Research sheds light on COVID-19 infection, vaccination among dental hygienists

A survey conducted by the ADA and the American Dental Hygienists' Association found that 6.8% of US dental hygienists had been diagnosed with COVID-19 as of March 1, a higher infection rate than among dentists but lower than the rate among other health care professionals and the general US population. In addition, 82% of respondents said they always used eye protection and a mask during non-aerosol-generating procedures, and 52% had been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The percentage of dental hygienists not working in dentistry has fallen from 8% in October 2020 to 5.8% in March 2021. These and other findings will be discussed in detail in the "Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Hygienists: Ongoing Research Update" webinar at 7 p.m. CT May 4.

Full Story: ADA News (4/28)