Some dentists are still performing elective work, hygienists say; dental associations advise against it
“The spread of COVID-19 will be determined by our collective actions now."
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to unfold, some dental hygienists say certain dentists are continuing non-emergency procedures, against national recommendations.On March, 15, the Massachusetts Dental Society “strongly” recommended
“that dentists practicing in the Commonwealth close their offices from March 17 to April 6 to patients seeking elective and non-urgent care.”
They noted it wasn’t a guidance they were taking lightly, but one they believed to be critical in flattening the curve as the work hygienists do leaves them, and patients, in close contact. The state Department of Public Health has endorsed the society’s recommendations.
However, Katherine Soal, a past president of the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists Association, told the Telegram & Gazette last week that certain dental offices across the state remained open and have continued working on elective procedures as scheduled.
“Dentists need to stop the greed and protect the public. This isn’t just about dental hygienists. It’s about the public,” she told the paper, not speaking on behalf of the association. “Nobody needs to have their teeth cleaned right now.”
The association’s current president, Pamela LaCerte, subsequently told the Telegram & Gazette she wanted to see the recommendations mandated, but said most dentists were following the guidelines.
In a statement posted to Youtube, Soal reminded dentists that while she hears their concerns on unemployment and job security, their profession leaves them vulnerable to the virus.
Soal noted that instead, they may be able to use their skills to help mitigate the spread.
“We can gain strength from our dental hygiene community, and we can also use our talents to help others. We are infection control specialists,” she said. “We are intimately exposed to every disease known and unknown to humanity. We know standard precautions because we practice them every day. They work, and they help keep us and our patients safe.”
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association also posted a statement to Youtube, urging dental offices to be aware of their role in the pandemic.
“To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADHA strongly recommends that dental practices nationwide postpone non-emergency and elective procedures and continue to be available for patients with urgent needs,” ADHA President Matt Crespin said. “The ADHA is deeply concerned for the health and well being of the public, dental hygienists, and the entire dental team.”
The MDS noted how everyone plays a role going forward and dentists could make a major impact by temporarily closing their practices and donating materials.
“The spread of COVID-19 will be determined by our collective actions now, and this recommendation is being made out of an abundance of caution,” MDS officials said. “We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protection equipment (PPE) critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic.”
Correction: A previous version of this article listed Katherine Soal as a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists Association. She is a past president and was not speaking for the association.
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