Tips for Weathering COVID-19 Fatigue

It has been a year since the United States declared a public health emergency because of the rapid transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The US issued this declaration on February 3, 2020, three days following a similar statement made by the World Health Organization. At the time, nearly 10,000 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed with more than 200 deaths reported. Today, across the globe, more than 100 million cases have been reported with over 2 million deaths. As the nation continues to struggle to control the virus, COVID-19 fatigue may set in. The California Dental Association (CDA) has provided some helpful tips for oral health professionals who may be experiencing exhaustion at this point in the pandemic.

First, the CDA encourages practices to listen to employees and ensure they have what they need to meet COVID-19 precautions, such as properly fitted personal protective equipment and socially distanced rest periods during the workday.

Second, dentists and/or practice owners need to serve as examples to the rest of the dental team. The CDA asserts that dentists must demonstrate the behaviors they want to see.

Third, address noncompliance immediately and clearly. All dental team members need to understand the expectations and any infractions need to be addressed right away with no exceptions to following COVID-19 precautions.

Click here to read more.