American dentists want COVID-19 testing kits before reopening

They suggest they are on the frontline when it comes to exposure risk, thanks to aerosol-generating procedures that can spread virus particles and increase the chances of exposure for dental teams should a patient have COVID-19. 

The American Dental Association (ADA) wants health authorities to supply testing kits to dentists so they can swab patients before treatment begins.

The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified dental professionals as at risk for exposure to the coronavirus due to various workplace hazards.

Manufacturers and distributors are prioritising the distribution of the available kits to facilities with high-level needs.  

The ADA is advising dentists to steer clear of so-called ‘grey market’ point-of-care tests for COVID-19, recommending they follow the direction issued by the FDA regarding testing procedures in their practices.

Meanwhile, the British Dental Association reported this week that dentists in England are facing ‘critical shortages’ in personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Over half (54%) of dentists in England say that PPE shortages are hampering efforts to treat patients at urgent dental care (UDC) hubs, according to a BDA survey.