Dentists Make a Few Changes for H1N1 Flu

One quarter of dentists (24%) have responded to H1N1 flu by making changes – twice as many as last April, when the CDC declared swine flu a health emergency.

We also found that 10% of dentists say one or more of their team members have had H1N1. When it comes to the swine flu vaccine, 10% of dentists have gotten vaccinated, 48% would like to get the H1N1 vaccine, and 43% do not plan to get the vaccine.

Here are some comments from dentists:

• “We ask all our patients to either wash their hands or use the hand sanitizer upon entering the waiting room. So far, we’ve had 100% positive feedback and many thanks.”
• “Just keeping a better picture on patients who want appointments earlier or at a specific time or date. If a patient is ill, we can attempt to move another patient into that date/time they have initially requested.” (Maryland dentist)
• “Using universal precautions there should be no changes needed. If so I wouldn’t go to that office.” (Pennsylvania dentist)
• “I’m concerned about the swine flu in general, but I don’t think it poses an increased risk in the dental office.” (West Virginia dentist)
• “The vaccine is in short supply, so I will save it for higher risk people.” (Texas dentist)
• “I placed a reception room notice for patients to inform us about their current status of flu symptoms, i.e. elevated temperature, onset of breathing problems.” (Wyoming dentist)
• “Patient screening: postponing appointments for patients with flu and flu-like symptoms.” (California dentist)
• “Usually we accept patients that are sick as long as not coughing. We will no longer treat patients with a fever.” (Florida dentist)
• “Patients with fever are rescheduled. Patients with confirmed swine flu are rescheduled 10 days after the confirmation.”

Read more: H1N1 Flu Leads To Some Changes for Dentists, Dental Practices