Due to growing concerns about the COVID-19 virus, this week the IDA joined the ADA and 40 other states in recommending dentists postpone elective dental procedures. According to IDA President Dr. Steve Ellinwood, the board’s decision was based on an effort to “flatten the curve.” 

“If we are successfully in slowing or reversing the infection rate, the preventive hardships suffered now will lessen the chance of catastrophic consequences later,” said Dr. Ellinwood.

In his statement to members, ADA President Chad P. Gehani stated, “In order for dentistry to do its part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the ADA recommends dentists nationwide postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. Concentrating on emergency dental will care will allow us to care for our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments.”

Earlier today the ADA issued additional guidance to assist dentists in distinguishing which procedures should be postponed. Click here to view the ADA's guidelines.

The IDA will continue to monitor developments, including recommendations specifically for dentistry that are being adopted by the CDC. For additional resources and regular updates, see our online COVID-19 toolkit and   www.ada.org/virus. 

IDA has developed an online toolkit to help members navigate the COVID-19 crisis. Posts include the following topics:

Topics will be added and content will be updated as information changes.