As dentists begin reopening their practices during a global pandemic, the risk of COVID-19 infection that dentists face in providing dental care remains unknown. Estimating the occupational risk of COVID-19, and producing evidence on the types of infection control practices and dental practices that may affect COVID-19 risk, is therefore imperative. The goal of the proposed study is to understand U.S.-based dentists' health and dental-practice reactions to COVID-19. To estimate this, U.S-based dentists will be surveyed monthly. These findings could be used to describe the prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 among dentists, determine what infection control steps dentists take over time, and estimate whether infection control adherence in dental practice is related to COVID-19 incidence.
Other: No intervention
No intervention; this is a purely observational study
Inclusion Criteria:
- Primary dental practice is in United States
- 18 years of age or older
- Dentist
Exclusion Criteria:
•Answered "no" to ADA survey sent May 2020 that read "As part of ongoing efforts to monitor
the effect of COVID-19 on the dental team, the ADA is interested in collecting data related
to infection rates. Would you also be willing to participate in a separate, longitudinal
study that would require you to report whether you or your staff have exhibited symptoms of
COVID-19, and whether you have been tested or diagnosed? The study would be anonymous and
under IRB protocols."
American Dental Association
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Cameron G Estrich, MPH, PhD, Principal Investigator
American Dental Association Science and Research Institute