#DentalSAFETY campaign aims to ease COVID anxieties

Dentists in the US have launched a new campaign to build public confidence about the safety of dental practices. The #DentalSAFETY campaign aims to educate the public on returning to dentists’ office on the heels of COVID-19 reopenings.

Supported by Pacific Dental Services, the #DentalSAFETY campaign is asking dental professionals to post brief videos on their social media platforms, reiterating the dental industry’s commitment to infection control and informing patients of the safety measures put in place upon reopening.

Recent reports found a large population of patients is suffering from untreated dental issues due to fears from entering a dental office, a press release from Pacific Dental read. Nearly one-third of US adults and half of all seniors reported delaying medical care in April due to fears of contamination at medical facilities, and the latest American Dental Association data reported average weekly patient visits were down 82% in early May. While these concerns are understandable, experts believe the health consequences of delaying needed dental care are an even greater risk, the statement read.

To get involved in the movement, dental professionals can:

• Record a 1-minute video giving an example of how to mitigate risk through safety protocols; or record a 2-minute video sharing a patient safety story.

• Post the video to preferred social media channels.

• Include the hashtags #DentalSAFETY, #DentalER, and #DentalHEROS

• Tag relevant dental groups, schools, professional associations, fellow dentists, and healthcare professionals.

Every 14 seconds in the US, someone visits a hospital emergency room for a dental emergency, even though most ERs are not equipped to provide dental care, Pacific Dental’s statement read. The campaign hopes to not only ensure patient confidence in returning to the dental practice, but also relieve pressure on other parts of the healthcare system.

For more information or to get involved, visit dentalsafety.care.