Public Health Dental Providers Embrace COVID-19-Related Changes

Published 12/10/2020

A new survey by CareQuest Institute for Oral Health reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic has spurred greater awareness and concerns among dental providers who work in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other public health settings. 

Some key findings from the report:

  • Screening patients and staff for COVID-19 risk factors is more of a priority for public health dental professionals (PHDPs) than for providers in other types of settings. Over 85% of public PHDPs say screening is important, compared to 68% of other providers.
  • More than 90% of PHDPs think it is important to secure and properly use PPE and to clean and disinfect dental operatories, while only three-quarters of providers in other types of practices view these tasks as important.
  • Among PHDPs, 53% are currently using teledentistry or plan to use it soon, compared to 32% of other providers.

The outcomes of the survey demonstrate the continuing need for providers to innovate during the pandemic and beyond. Teledentistry and alternative payment models such as value-based care are examples of ways to embrace the changes that resulted from the pandemic.  

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