Dental association encourages dentists to postpone non-emergency appointments during coronavirus pandemic

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Tuesday, March 17, 2020
ADA wants dentists to delay cleanings as COVID-19 spreads
The American Dental Association said postponing elective appointments, like teeth cleanings, would allow dentists to focus on patients who need emergency work.

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Dentists should consider delaying teeth cleanings and other non-essential procedures for a little while during the novel coronavirus pandemic, the American Dental Association said.

In a statement Monday, the ADA recommended dentists postpone elective appointments for three weeks so they can focus on patients who need emergency care.

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"As health care professionals, it is up to dentists to make well-informed decisions about their patients and practices," the association said in the written statement.

Currently, there are at least 4,661 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, in the United States, accoridng to ABC News. At least 92 people have died from the virus in the country.

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