The ADA News (3/16, Burger) reports that in response to the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, the American Dental Association recommends that dentists across the country postpone elective procedures. “The American Dental Association recognizes the unprecedented and extraordinary circumstances dentists and all health care professionals face related to growing concern about COVID-19,” according to the March 16 statement from ADA President Chad P. Gehani. “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.”

Similarly, the California Dental Association (3/16) states, “The California Dental Association strongly recommends that dentists practicing in California voluntarily suspend non-urgent or non-emergency dental care.”

The Chicago Tribune (3/16, Schencker) reports that the Illinois State Dental Society is “urging Illinois dentists to treat only patients who need emergency procedures.” Dr. Alice Boghosian, president-elect of the society, said, “It’s not something that anyone wants to hear about their business, but...it is our moral obligation and duty to try everything in our power not to spread this disease.”

The Hampton Roads (VA) Virginian-Pilot (3/16, Martin) reports, “The Virginia Dental Association recommended Sunday night that dentists cancel non-emergency visits starting Tuesday due to the coronavirus pandemic."