“We don’t need them going to the emergency room because it clogs that up and it puts them at more risk of getting the disease itself. So, that’s not helpful,” said an employee at Kelly Mingus Dental Office in Bend, Ore., about the state’s decision to suspend elective dental procedures.
Other dental offices in the state say the regulations are too broad, preventing many patients from getting the care they need.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown ordered hospitals and dental offices to halt elective surgeries until further notice. The reasons cited to suspend elective surgeries were to have extra physicians, nurses and support staff on hand to treat COVID-19 patients and have an extra supply of personal protective equipment.
Many practices have suspended all operations and had to lay off staff.
More articles on dental:
ADA publishes COVID-19 resources page for dentists
What dentists need to know about Small Business Administration loans
Washington dentist allegedly set fire to medical gowns, masks in attempt to burn down office
