Dental colleges have moved classes online, encouraged social distancing and are canceling sponsored travel and events to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to a news release from the American Dental Association.
In some instances, universities have extended their spring breaks and are requiring students returning from abroad self-quarantine for at least 14 days. Dental clinics at these colleges have also started to close, with only patients in emergency circumstances being admitted.
Specifically, Seattle-based University of Washington has canceled appointments for patients seeking routine dental treatment. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry’s clinic has also closed to everyone except urgent care patients through March 30.
Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry have postponed dental treatment for anyone who is ill. They have also implemented additional protocols to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
Other schools, such as Tufts University, have told dental students that all classes will be conducted virtually through the end of the semester. The University of the Pacific has also transitioned to virtual classes through the end of the academic year.
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