As data shows an increasing number of patients are returning to the dentist for routine care, a new tool, Dental Patient Care in the Era of COVID-19, explains to consumers how their dental experiences will be different. Oral health experts from the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) and the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement developed this guide to answer questions frequently asked by patients who are considering scheduling a visit to the dentist. The two organizations released the guide today. 

The new guide is an adaptation of a provider-focused tool, Best Practices for Infection Control In Dental Clinics During the COVID-19 Pandemic, released by OSAP and the DentaQuest Partnership in June. It explains how changes to infection control, dental hygiene and personal protective equipment made by dental offices to ensure patient and staff safety will change the dental experience before, during and after the visit.   

“It’s critical for patients to safely return to their preventive and non-emergency oral health care routines, and we want to help them understand what to expect and how to protect their health as they return to the dentist,” said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, president and CEO of the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement and Catalyst Institute, Inc. “Dental providers have made important changes in the way they deliver care, and dental visits will have a continued focus on safety going forward. We hope this guide will provide people with the information they need to make informed decisions about their oral health.”  

“Dental clinics are reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic, and patients may want to make appointments for routine care, but they also may be experiencing some uncertainty and fear,” said Michelle Lee, CPC, executive director of OSAP. “Ensuring that patients feel safe going to the dentist is crucial, and that they understand dentists are making changes and improvements to infection control and hygiene. By collaborating with the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement on this tool, patients will have the guidance they need.” 

The guide outlines some of the infection control procedures that may be more noticeable to patients, such as enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols, plastic coverings in certain areas and greater use of personal protective equipment by all office personnel.  

It also outlines new safety procedures that patients are likely to encounter before, during and after their visit, including: 

• Patients may receive a phone call before their visit, screening them for COVID-19 symptoms or asking questions about their proximity to people who have tested positive. 

• Patients may be asked to wait outside before their appointment, or come alone, in order to limit the number of people in the office. 

• Waiting areas may be set up in different ways, such as new barriers between the desk person and patients. 

• Staff will be wearing face shields, respirators, hair and foot coverings. 

• Dental tools may be different. 

• Several days after the dental visit, patients may receive a follow-up call from the dental office, screening for COVID-19 symptoms. 

Designed for the majority of patients, the shareable guide is written at the 4-6 grade reading level. Dentists are encouraged to use this tool as a means to improve communication with patients as they navigate changes to their dental care experience. 

A PDF copy of Dental Patient Care in the Era of COVID-19 is available online. For more on effective patient safety communication, register now and join this DentaQuest Partnership webinar on Aug. 6 at 1 pm ET.  

About the DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement

The DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement is a nonprofit organization working to transform the broken health care system and enable better health through oral health. Through strategic grantmaking, research and care improvement initiatives, we drive meaningful change at the local, state and national levels. The DentaQuest Partnership is affiliated with DentaQuest, a leading U.S. oral health enterprise with a mission to improve the oral health of all. Find out more at www.dentaquestpartnership.org.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest is a purpose-driven oral health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® – our all-in approach to better care, expanded access, value-based financing, and innovative solutions. We manage dental and vision benefits for 27+ million Americans and provide direct patient care through our network of more than 80 oral health centers in 6 states. We provide outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals nationwide. And, we've invested more than $200 million in grants and programs to achieve measurably healthier communities across the country. By advancing prevention-focused oral health, we will achieve better overall health for everyone. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on Twitter @DentaQuest, Facebook www.facebook.com/DentaQuest, Instagram @Inside_DentaQuest, and LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/DentaQuest.

About the Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention

The Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) is a growing community of clinicians, educators, researchers, and industry representatives who advocate for safe and infection-free delivery of oral healthcare. OSAP focuses on strategies to improve compliance with safe practices and on building a strong network of recognized infection control experts. www.osap.org