EBOLA ALERT

While much media attention has been diverted to other topics, ebola is still an international health threat of which dental professionals need to be aware.  The American Dental Association is in contact with the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and other agencies to procure up-to-date information for dentists.  The address of the ADA online ebola resource center is given at the end of this blog.

While the following brief comments are NOT meant to offer advice on a topic of such serious consequence, be aware that dentists are advised to take a medical history including a travel history from patients with symptoms of a viral infection.  It is further suggested that dentists delay for at least 21 days routine dental care for patients returning from the West African countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Palliative care for dental infections and pain can be provided within the 21 day period if the dentist first consults the patient’s physician concerning symptoms.  If treatment is done, the dentist must protect himself/herself and staff members with precautions beginning with physical barriers such as masks, gloves, face protection, and gowns impervious to fluids and follow many other rigid protocols as well.

For more information, go to the ADA's Ebola Resource page.  Also obtain the CDC Health Care Provider Preparedness Checklist for Ebola VirusDisease.