10 June 2021

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ADA: One year on, US dentists maintain a low COVID-19 infection rate

Katherine E. Pfaff

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According to a study from the American Dental Association, dentists have kept a low infection rate compared to other frontline healthcare workers. Using data on confirmed and likely COVID-19 infections, the study estimated the infection rate for US dentists at 2.6%, compared to 3.3% for physicians and 35.3% for EMS reported rates. 

The 6-month longitudinal study, which follows on research from October 2020, examined rates of infection, monthly incidence rates, and infection control practices. The study will be published in ADA's journal in June. 

Low infection rates were attributed to screening practices and proper PPE and related activities within dental offices or clinics. "This study reinforces that the dental care sector is up and running safely," said Chief Economist and Vice President of the ADA Health Policy Institute Marko Vujicic, Ph.D. "Nowhere is this proof point more evident than by the fact that more than 90% of patients surveyed indicate they have already visited the dentist or soon will." ADA represents more than 163,000 dentists nationwide.

About the American Dental Association

The not-for-profit ADA is the nation's largest dental association, representing more than 163,000 dentist members. The premier source of oral health information, the ADA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1859. The ADA's state-of-the-art research facilities develop and test dental products and materials that have advanced dentistry and made the patient experience more positive. The ADA Seal of Acceptance has long been a valuable and respected guide to consumer dental care products. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) monthly is the ADA's flagship publication and the best-read scientific journal in dentistry. 

More info at: www.ada.org

Source

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/24/2234930/0/en/COVID-19-Infection-Rates-of-Dentists-Remain-Lower-Than-Other-Health-Professionals.html