The current COVID-19 outbreak is unlike anything this country, or the world, has ever seen. As we venture into dangerous and unprecedented territory, many professions are instituting temporary policies and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of their staff, patients, or customers. At Advanced Dental Arts of Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lakeland, Citrus Park and New Port Richey, your health and safety is our top concern. That is why we have decided to close all offices for at least the next two weeks in order to flatten the curve and mitigate the continued spread of COVID-19.
This decision follows guidance from the American Dental Association, who have put forth a recommendation that dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures in response to the spread of COVID-19.
On March 16th, ADA President Chad P. Gehant made the following statement:
“The American Dental Association recognizes the unprecedented and extraordinary circumstances dentists and all health care professionals face related to growing concern about COVID-19. The ADA is deeply concerned for the health and well-being of the public and the dental team. In order for dentistry to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADA recommends dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. Concentrating on emergency dental care will allow us to care for our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments. As health care professionals, it is up to dentists to make well-informed decisions about their patients and practices. The ADA is committed to providing the latest information to the profession in a useful and timely manner. The ADA is continually evaluating and will update its recommendation on an ongoing basis as new information becomes available.”
To be clear, Gehant is advising the postponement of elective procedures. This does not include necessary treatment or dental emergencies. A true dental emergency consists of:
Oral/Facial Trauma
Significant infection
Pain which cannot be managed by over the counter medications
With how little is known about the virus, and how contagious it has proven to be, it is in the best interest of our doctors, hygienists and patients alike to suspend services and follow the CDC recommendations for social distancing. We have an obligation to protect and serve our patients and our team, and this is the safest way to do so. At the end of this two week period, we will re-evaluate the situation, and determine whether it is safe to return to our normal business operations.
The ADA, as well as Dr. Susana Kulangara and our talented team of associates here at Advanced Dental Arts, are committed to not only keeping our patients safe, but continuing to educate them on the dangers of COVID-19 and specifically how it relates to those in the dentistry profession.
For more information, head to ADA.org/virus. If you are our current patient, and believe you are having a medical emergency, we are here for you. Give us a call at (813) 973-8555.