Dentists in Southern California are anticipating devastating financial blows due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The OC Register.
Offices throughout the state have suspended operations after Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a stay-at-home order March 19. The practices are remaining open for emergency procedures, per the American Dental Association guidelines, but many don't expect that will be enough to keep the practices afloat.
"Dentists work in a small setting," said California Dental Association President Richard Nagy, DDS, to The OC Register. "We're seeing staff getting laid off because we're not open for business."
Dentists have also been asked to donate their masks, gloves and other personal protective equipment to hospitals and other front-line providers. These new guidelines have put many burdens on young dentists just out of school.
"The uncertainty of it all is what's really frightening," said Jaewoo Cho, DDS, a recent dental graduate, to The OC Register. "Like many young dentists, I have a student loan that I carry as well as a business loan. I still have to pay monthly rent for my office. And that's a lot right now. But, what's important at this time is we set a good example as healthcare providers to do the right thing."
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