Ebola has been on everyone’s mind lately. With the largest outbreak in history currently occurring in West Africa, we at Incisor felt it was important to address this issue—both as its own distinct topic as well as within the context of dentistry.
Last week, a DOCS Education member posted a question in the EliteDOCS forum about Ebola. The member writes:
We have been advised by some of the local physicians here in our area that screening patients would not be a bad idea, since now there is a case [of Ebola] in the Kansas City area. I would like to know if there any protocols available for dental team members. The hospitals are taking precautions—what are the DOCS Education faculty’s thoughts regarding a format that could be implemented at the dental office? Thanks.
Dr. Jerome Wellbrock, DOCS Education faculty member, offers his advice:
Ebola...The American Dental Association has issued a statement this morning regarding the screening history and treatment or non-treatment of a patient who has been exposed or infected with the Ebola virus. I think it is prudent that we are all aware of what the ADA and CDC are saying in regards to this situation. While this is me personally speaking, I feel that DOCS is not in the position of recommending any protocols for this situation and that it should be left to the ADA/CDC and our local and state Health Departments.
According to the ADA:
The ADA Division of Science advises dental professionals not to treat dental patients if they have signs and symptoms of Ebola infection because most oral health providers do not have the appropriate equipment, experience and skills to treat safely an Ebola infected patient. The most common signs and symptoms of Ebola infection are:
- Fever (greater than 38.6˚C or 101.5˚CF) and severe headache
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain or unexplained bleeding or bruising
We at DOCS Education values safety above all else, and support the position of the ADA Division of Science:
Any person within 21 days of returning from the West African countries Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea may be at risk of having contacted persons infected with Ebola and may not exhibit symptoms. The ADA recommends delaying routine dental care of these patients until 21 days have elapsed from their trip. Essential treatment and palliative care that is necessary for serious oral health conditions, dental infections and pain can be provided after consulting with the patient’s physician and local health department to determine that it is safe to provide such care with standard precautions and physical barriers.
The ADA statement also includes several health questions they suggest dental professionals include in their health questionnaire.
The statement can read in its entirely here.
Though the current cases of Ebola are both tragic and frightening, DOCS Education would like to stress and echo the ADA's sentiments: There is a strong unlikelihood that patients would be carrying the Ebola virus in the first place, and that transmission of Ebola is highly unlikely if proper precautions are taken.
The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
