ACP News
March 18, 2020
A Message from ACP President Dr. Stephen I. Hudis Regarding COVID-19
Attention: For additional COVID-19 Resources visit the ACP COVID-19 Resource Page.
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I am reaching out on behalf of the entire American College of Prosthodontists’ leadership team to assure you that in times of uncertainty, your safety and wellbeing remain our highest priority.
We understand that you may be experiencing stress given the rapidly changing information and status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) both in the U.S. and abroad. We want you to know we are monitoring the situation closely, keeping those affected in our hearts, and are listening carefully to your questions and concerns.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to respond to this public health threat is to avoid exposure and take everyday preventative actions to stop the spread of the virus. Our friends at the American Dental Association have put together several resources specifically for dental professionals, including these additional precautions you can take in your office:
- Screen patients for international travel, signs or symptoms of infection when you update their medical histories.
- Ask patients to arrive on time for their appointments, rather than too early, since that will minimize the amount of time they spend in your waiting room or reception area.
- Remove magazines, reading materials, toys and other objects that may be touched by others and which are not easily disinfected.
- Include temperature readings as part of your routine assessment of the patient prior to performing dental procedures.
- Make sure the personal protective equipment you are using is appropriate for the procedures performed.
- Use a rubber dam whenever possible to decrease possible exposure to infectious agents.
- Use high speed evacuation for all dental procedures producing an aerosol.
- Autoclave your handpieces after each patient.
- Have your patient rinse with 1% hydrogen peroxide before each appointment. Coronavirus is vulnerable to oxidation; this will reduce the salivary load of oral microbes.
- Clean and disinfect public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs, and bathrooms.
For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO) and local county public health agencies.
Thank you for being part of this great organization. We will keep you updated through this dynamic situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ACP Central Office.
Warm Regards,
Stephen I. Hudis, DDS, FACP
ACP President
Informative Resources:
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