What is the rate of COVID-19 infection in a population seeking oral health care?

BACKGROUND

Although rates of COVID-19 have remained low among US dentists, the authors aimed to determine the risk of there being COVID-19 in patients seeking oral health care.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all emergency department consultations from June 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. They used Pearson correlation coefficients to compare rates with citywide prevalence (P < .05).

RESULTS

The authors located 203 encounters with 149 tests and 10 cases of COVID-19. Cases were strongly correlated with the citywide positivity rate (r = 0.9147; P = .0039). All patients who tested positive were asymptomatic and afebrile, and one-half (50%) visited a dentist within a week of consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of COVID-19 in a population seeking oral health care reflects the community positivity rate. Asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients pose risks to providers, staff members, and other patients.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Dentists should remain vigilant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even with vaccination rollout. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains an accessible website with easy access to each state's positivity rate and caseload.