Dental practices are recovering from extended closures better than projected, according to survey results released by the American Dental Association May 26.
The survey, which collected responses from more than 6,500 dentists, found that 65 percent of dental practices were open the week of May 18. Of those offices, 38 percent indicated that patient volume was the same as before the pandemic. For the 27 states in which dental offices have been reopened for three full weeks, 54 percent of respondents reported a patient volume that matched pre-pandemic levels.
Responses revealed that dental staff were fully paid at 58 percent of dental practices the week of May 18, an improvement from 11 percent the week of April 6. The survey also reported that most dentists now have an adequate supply of surgical and face masks, but still face challenges securing enough N95 masks and gowns.
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