Dentists Across Europe Face
Business Challenges in Times of COVID-19
Dentists all over Europe are doing their part to limit the spread of COVID-19 while staying up to date with national and local regulations. However, as an increasing number of member states have restricted the provision of dental care to medical emergencies only, some dentists are finding it difficult to fulfil their professional obligations and are struggling to comply with the existing and new infection control protocols.
Image: ADDE
Since dentists are postponing elective procedures and reducing office hours, the 9-4-2020 Dentists Europe business challenges COVID-19 number of dental patients being treated is low and dentists are starting to feel the tremendous long-term impact of the pandemic on their businesses.
Most dental procedures generate a large number of aerosols and droplets, endangering dental patients, and possibly causing dentists and other members of the dental team to become infected with SARS-CoV-2. To stop aerosol transmission in dental offices, it is crucial to use appropriate personal protective equipment. However, many countries are failing to supply dentists with protective clothing, such as FFP2 or FFP3 masks, making it nearly impossible for dentists to fulfil their professional obligations and limit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
In a recent statement, Council of European Dentists (CED) President Dr Marco Landi said, "The COVID-19 crisis has clearly showed the necessity for international cooperation in public health, for a strong EU role in health policy and for investing in health at all levels. The CED continues to support our members who are, together with other healthcare providers, in the forefront of the struggle against COVID-19, by sharing information on national measures related to oral care and transmitting general guidance made available by international sources such as the World Health Organization, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Commission."
"We remain ready to take on additional tasks as necessary, in the interest of public health, our patients and our communities. We also call on the member states and the European Commission to take action to mitigate the long-term impact of COVID-19 on availability of oral care across Europe by supporting dentists, including those working in private practice, and including them in national emergency support instruments and giving them access to funding available at EU level," Landi added.
Source: ADDE