American Dental Association makes its recommendation for dentists nationwide

by KEVIN KUO, DDS, MMSc | March 16, 2020

In an email to its members, the American Dental Association recommends dental offices in the United States to postpone elective procedures for 3 weeks. This change would allow dentists to focus on emergency patients to alleviate the burden on hospitals to treat dental emergency patients. The ADA writes:

The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes the unprecedented and extraordinary circumstances dentists and all health care professionals face related to growing concern about COVID-19. The ADA is deeply concerned for the health and well-being of the public and the dental team.  
 
In order for dentistry to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADA recommends dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. Concentrating on emergency dental care will allow us to care for our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments.

Author Commentary: This recommendation aligns with KevinDental’s guidance, as stated here on March 15th. Closing dental offices completely would likely burden hospitals in an already overwhelmed system, trying to combat COVID-19. This partial closure would also lessen the likelihood of community spread and decrease PPE use, while still providing an essential service for society.