ADA Study Finds COVID-19 Rate Among Dentists is Less than One Percent

Although assumed to be at high risk, fewer than one percent of dentists nationwide were found to be COVID-19 positive during the height of the infection spread last June, according to a study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA).

“The study indicates that enhanced infection control and prevention measures — PPE, air purification systems and patient screenings — are working to help keep everyone as safe as possible,” said Dr. Kristi O’Kane of O’Kane & Monssen Family Dentistry. “We hope the findings give patients confidence to continue seeking dental care, which is essential to their overall health and wellness.”

The survey of 2,195 dentists taken in June by researchers at the American Dental Association (ADA) and two major universities found that 20 had contracted COVID-19. The study authors weighted the results to align with U.S. dentists demographically and geographically and found an estimated prevalence of less than one percent (0.9) with a confidence interval of 95 percent. In addition, 99.7 percent of dentists are using enhanced infection control procedures such as COVID-10 screening protocols, enhanced disinfection practices, social distancing and wearing face masks.

“This is very good news for dentists and patients,” said Dr. Marcelo Araujo, Chief Executive Officer of the ADA Science and Research Institute and the senior author of the report. "This means that what dentists are doing—heightened infection control and increased attention to patient and dental team safety—is working.”

“We are pleased to see that the rigorous safety measures we have implemented are helping protect patients and our team,” said Dr. Brian Monssen of O’Kane & Monssen Family Dentistry. “We thank our patients for their patience and compliance with these safety protocols.”