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.

Automated summary

This study found that COVID-19 rates among patients seeking oral health care reflect the community positivity rate, with asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients posing risks to providers, staff members, and other patients. Dentists should remain vigilant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even with vaccination rollout, and utilize resources such as those provided by the CDC for monitoring positivity rates and caseloads.