Index

ADA recommends dental practices postpone elective procedures for three weeks

March 17, 2020
On March 17, 2020, the American Dental Association issued a recommendation that dentists postpone elective procedures for three weeks.

Press release

The American Dental Association (ADA) 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. Please visit ADA.org/virus for the latest information.

Editor's note: This article is an edited version of a press release issued March 17, 2020, by the American Dental Association. Press releases may be submitted to [email protected] for review and posting consideration.