COVID-19 Isn’t Deterring Patients From the Dental Office

A survey by DentalPlans.com, an online marketplace for dental savings plans, reveals that as long as safety precautions are in place, nearly 90% of respondents will visit the dentist despite the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the key elements in returning for care involves office updates to infection prevention protocols.

Survey respondents indicated a desire for dentists to share information about their COVID-19 infection control processes prior to the appointment (73%), while 72% said they would only go to a dentist they’ve seen before. Only 5% said they plan to wait until a vaccine for the virus is available.

According to the poll, frequent sanitation/disinfecting throughout the practice, knowing what the office is doing to keep patients safe, and requiring dental staff and patients to wear masks would significantly increase their confidence in seeking preventive or elective care during the pandemic.

From Decisions in Dentistry. July/August 2020;6(7):8.