COVID-19 Infection Rates and Mitigation Strategies in Orthodontic Practices

Hypothesis and Objective: COVID-19 affects all oral healthcare providers’ practices including orthodontic providers. This study evaluated COVID-19 infection rates and mitigation strategies in orthodontic practices. Methods: A REDCap survey to evaluate the COVID-19 mitigation in the practices and the history of COVID-19 infection during COVID-19 pandemic was sent to 14,144 active orthodontists and pediatric dentists in the United States. The survey link and QR code were generated and sent via email between December 28th, 2020 and December 12th, 2021. Results: 267 respondents completed and returned the survey (response rate 1.89%). 154 respondents (57.7%) treated less patients, while 6 respondents (2.2%) closed permanently. 138 respondents (51.7%) practiced teledentistry. 138 respondents (51.7%) switched to digital impression. 167 respondents (62.5%) reported difficulties in attaining PPE. 99.6% of respondents increased infection control measures. 16 respondents (6%) reported history of COVID-19 infection. 184 doctors (68.9%) reported that their staff had COVID-19 infection. 251 doctors (94.0%) had been vaccinated, and 249 (93.3%) reported that their staff had been vaccinated. 73 doctors (27.3%) would mandate their staff to be vaccinated. Conclusions: Almost all orthodontic providers have employed strategies to reduce the risk of COVID-19 in their offices. Most of the providers and their staff were vaccinated. While staff positivity rate remains an issue (68.9%), doctor positivity rate remains low (6.0%). Funding: Biomedical Research Award AAOF. IRB/ACC Protocol #: 2020-1469