Estimating COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among US dentists

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Understanding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission risks in dental settings is crucial for patient safety.
• Assessing mitigation strategies in dental offices is vital for maintaining oral health care access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among US dentists.
• To evaluate the mental and physical health of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To examine infection control procedures implemented in dental practices.

Main Methods:

• A web-based survey was distributed to licensed US dentists in June 2020.
• 2,195 dentists from all US states participated, reporting on COVID-19 symptoms, infection status, health conditions, and infection control measures.
• Data were weighted to approximate the prevalence among all US dentists.

Main Results:

• The overall prevalence of confirmed or probable COVID-19 among US dentists was low (0.9%).
• Most dentists (82.2%) were asymptomatic; testing positivity rates were 3.7% for respiratory, 2.7% for blood, and 0% for salivary samples.
• Symptoms of depression (8.6%) and anxiety (19.5%) were reported. Enhanced infection control procedures, including disinfection, screening, social distancing, and mask-wearing, were implemented in 99.7% of practices.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 prevalence and testing positivity rates were low among practicing US dentists.
• Current infection control recommendations appear sufficient for preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in dental settings.
• Dentists have enhanced infection control practices and may benefit from improved access to personal protective equipment.