The World Health Organization is urging the public to avoid routine dental work or aesthetic treatments during the coronavirus pandemic if transmission rates are high in their area. It says the nature of such visits to the dentist can increase the risk of spreading the virus
"WHO advises that routine non-essential oral health care – which usually includes oral health check-ups, dental cleanings and preventive care – be delayed until there has been sufficient reduction in COVID-19 transmission rates from community transmission to cluster cases or according to official recommendations at national, sub-national or local level," the agency said in guidance released Aug. 3.
WHO said urgent or emergency care should not be postponed because doing so can lead to more severe health issues.
In response, the American Dental Association "respectfully yet strongly" disagreed with the WHO's recommendation.
"Oral health is integral to overall health. Dentistry is essential health care,” ADA President Dr. Chad P. Gehani said “Dentistry is essential health care because of its role in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.”
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