COVID-19 rates among dentists were low in the late spring as practices reopened, according to an Oct. 9 report by the American Dental Association.
Researchers conducted a national survey June 8 of 2,195 dentists, with just 0.9 percent reporting either confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases.
Initially, experts believed dentists would be at high risk because they come into close contact with patients and several dental procedures generate aerosol particles.
The survey also found that 99.7 percent of dentists had enhanced infection control procedures, implementing patient screening protocols and disinfection practices. However, only 73 percent of dentists reported wearing personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC guidance, which requires a surgical mask, gown, gloves and eye protection, along with an N95 respirator for aerosol-generating procedures.
Biana Roykh, DDS, an associate professor of dental medicine at New York City-based Columbia University, who was not involved with the ADA report, told NBC News that the preliminary findings mirror what she has seen in her dental practice. However, it's important to note that the survey was conducted in early June, when many practices may have been limited to emergency visits only, Dr. Roykh said.