ONE YEAR LATER
COVID-19 ’ s Impact on Pennsylvania ’ s Dental Community
By Rob Pugliese , Director of Communications
We can all remember what our lives were like in the early days of March 2020 . Before they were turned upside down .
Most of us spent our quiet moments in the following fall and winter reflecting quite a bit on all of the “ last ” things we did when life was normal . The last family gathering . The last night at our favorite neighborhood restaurant . Trip to the movie theater . Concert . Packed sporting event . School function .
They were all gone . At times , it was natural to wonder , would we ever share these experiences again ?
As the “ 15 days to slow the spread ” turned to two months , then three , and the usual joys of summer faded before our eyes , the doubts were very real .
As dental professionals , you endured another level of concern and worry . What would become of your practices ? How would the dental profession sustain during this pandemic ? How long would government restrictions impact your day-to-day operations ? Would your patients be too frightened to seek the care they needed ?
In April 2020 , 79 percent of dental practices were closed except for urgent or emergency procedures , and 17 percent were closed completely .
In time , the crush of all of these questions receded . Life during the pandemic gradually resumed , as many of you mobilized , showing your resiliency and determination to overcome a public health challenge never seen before , and with robust support from organized dentistry , you persevered and rebounded .
Member dentists and your team members implemented additional safety precautions , including increased infection control protocols and social distancing , to protect patients and team members .
ADA and PDA were there for you every step of the way , monitoring all facets of the COVID-19 situation from the outset , providing credible information on a daily basis via a multitude of communications platforms , advocating relentlessly for the profession , developing resources and tool kits on key issues , taking the lead in acquiring masks and PPE and scheduling fit tests , and continually reassuring government authorities and the public that dentistry not only could be practiced safely for both staff and patients during the pandemic , but that it was essential .
We were your trusted resource . We had your back the whole way , and we still do .
MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 15