Wednesday, August 19, 2020

Letter to My Colleagues in the Dental Profession

Published on fb, ig and twitter on April 19, 2020.


To my colleagues in the dental profession, please take note as you exercise professional judgment in your practices.



The virus knows no borders.
I don't usually post political agendas. I'm scared of what is about to come.
Science must override the fear economic insecurity. Hell- I've lost my job, I've lost a significant amount of savings, I know people with the virus, I know people who are on the front lines fighting this.
I have seen the decision flowcharts for when a physician has to choose who gets that last available ventilator. I see the front-line health care workers at the testing sites wearing "space suits".
Why are front-line health care workers taking all these precautions, yet we bitch about having to wear a mask or the prolonged state of social distancing?
Because they know people are going to die unnecessarily. Why? Because science tell us so.
Because the community health care systems won't be able to handle the increased load associated with increased exposure opportunities.
Only a small percentage of people who contract the virus will need hospitalization or succumb. But that small percentage will over burden the health care systems in our communities.
You say that the exposure/death rate is low or non-existent in your area. That may be true for now. But not for long. Everyone will be exposed to the virus eventually- even with taking the most precautions. Will your hospitals be ready for the upcoming spikes in the exposure curve?
World Health Organization states criteria for countries considering lifting restrictions to prevent unnecessary deaths :
1. Transmission is controlled
2. Health care systems are in place to DETECT, TEST, ISOLATE, AND TREAT every case and TRACE every contact.
3. Outbreak risks are minimized in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes.
4. Preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places where it's essential for people to go.
5. Importation risks can be managed
6. That communities are full engaged and empowered to adjust to the "new norm".
We aren't there yet...
"The critics blame Fauci and his fellow scientists for the economic misery tied to the government’s social distancing recommendations – omitting any calculation of what economic and human disaster would result if the viral floodgates were opened." (The Guardian- "Trump and Fauci: America's Future hangs on this delicate relationship" 4/19/2020)
I pray that Fauci's steady commitment to scientific values prevail.
It takes anywhere from 5-14 days after exposure for symptoms to show (CDC).


I pray that my colleagues continue to understand our role in the health care system. Phase in with great caution. Continue to treat emergent dental disease.
Phase in slowly with the greatest of care. PPE and testing are not robustly available right now. Give the supply lines time to catch-up. Protect yourself and your families, your staff, and most importantly your patients.
And please remember that no one will die from lack of getting their teeth cleaned.

This is a repost from my facebook feed from April, 19, 2020.

Leap and the Net will Appear

"What do I fear? I fear stagnation and lack of progress. I fear never reaching my potential and being average. I fear being forgotten....