What is the rate of COVID-19 infection in a population seeking oral health care?

BACKGROUND: Although rates of COVID-19 have remained low among US dentists, the authors aimed to determine the risk of there being COVID-19 in patients seeking oral health care. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of all emergency department consultations from June 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020. They used Pearson correlation coefficients to compare rates with citywide prevalence (P < .05). RESULTS: The authors located 203 encounters with 149 tests and 10 cases of COVID-19. Cases were strongly correlated with the citywide positivity rate (r = 0.9147; P = .0039). All patients who tested positive were asymptomatic and afebrile, and one-half (50%) visited a dentist within a week of consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of COVID-19 in a population seeking oral health care reflects the community positivity rate. Asymptomatic or presymptomatic patients pose risks to providers, staff members, and other patients. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists should remain vigilant during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, even with vaccination rollout. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains an accessible website with easy access to each state’s positivity rate and caseload.