Pediatric Dental Practice Finds 2% of its Patients Are Asymptomatic Carriers of COVID-19

A new study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 2% of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) pediatric dental practice’s patients are asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2. The study included children who sought emergency dental care at the UIC pediatric dental clinic from April 1 to August 1, 2020. All children were screened over the phone during which they reported no symptoms. Once they were in the dental clinic, children received a PCR test for the novel coronavirus. Ranging in age from 2 to 18, 921 patients participated, and the overall positivity rate was 2.3%. Prior to the study, children visiting the dental clinic were not given a PCR test. With the results in, the authors suggest that patients be tested before treatment is provided. However, no transmission of COVID-19 from patient to oral health professional was reported with authors surmising that personal protective equipment is highly effective at preventing disease transmission. Click here to read more.