Dentists are asking, 'Should I stay or should I close now?'

If the Clash is in your head now, you're welcome. Hard times call for hard rock fun to begin our days.

On the serious side, we at IgniteDDS have been getting hundreds of questions from dentists, team members, and residency programs, all wondering if emergency-only care is truly necessary.

In short, the answer is yes.

Now, caveat here. We all have choices and until we are under martial law, you get to choose what is right for you, so I'm not here to judge in any way. I am simply here to share why the universal request is for us to unite and only treat emergencies.

First, community spread is real. Dentistry, unfortunately, is a very high risk. We aerosolize in restorative care, and we do the same in hygiene. Think back to your "if saliva were red days" and remember everywhere droplets spread.

Second, now take that premise and understand that we do not have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) to combat COVID-19. That means everyone on the dental team is at risk of infection. It also means that everyone we come in contact with is at risk. Now simply do the math.

Third, add to that a scary unknown that will likely change the requirements of today's dental practice. Droplet spread plus many low-grade to asymptomatic patients plus the aerosol and your dental practice heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

So today, as we sit here, what is right?

I understand the financial ramifications. I am living them with you. Friends, at the end of the day, however, there is what we know (the science as we sit here) and there is what we feel (the need to be in our practice generating income for ourselves and our team).

Follow the science and hang in there. We are already learning about the ability to rapid test for COVID-19. If that proves out and the volume of tests come to us, we may very soon have an entirely different conversation.

As always, I look forward to your thoughts, questions, and concerns. Message us here at DrBicuspid.com. We are here to help.

Also, please check out some of my additional thoughts in the video below.

Until next time, stay well and stay informed.

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.