A dental student at Gainesville-based University of Florida College of Dentistry treated patients while sick with COVID-19, according to The Gainesville Sun.
The student worked in the school's dental clinic after returning from Portugal and feeling ill, he told classmates in an email shared with The Gainesville Sun. The student said he was tested March 9 and received results confirming a COVID-19 infection March 12, the same day the university suspended clinical activities for students.
The student had performed a root canal procedure the day he was tested, an anonymous dental student told The Gainesville Sun. The anonymous student said the clinic is a large room with about 30 students, 20 faculty and five patients, many of whom are elderly or low-income.
After returning from Portugal, the student contacted the health department about minor cold symptoms, including a sore throat, headache and chills. However, he was not tested at the time because his symptoms were not severe.
Four COVID-19 cases at the University of Florida were confirmed March 17, Gov. Ron DeSantis said.
As of March 16, the dental clinic has rescheduled all elective dental procedures. Only patients with emergency needs will receive care through March 30.
University of Florida College of Dentistry declined to comment, according to The Gainesville Sun.