Mar 17, 2020

Nebraska dentists urged to stop non-emergency appointments

Posted Mar 17, 2020 10:18 PM

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Nebraska residents needing to get to their dentist for teeth cleaning might be waiting a bit. The Nebraska Dental Association has recommended its dentists postpone any non-emergency dental care until after April 1 in an effort to slow the spread of a new coronavirus.

The organization said in a written statement Tuesday that dentists "have a role to play in 'flattening the curve' ... to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus," the Omaha World-Herald reported.

David O'Doherty, executive director of the association, said the group made the decision during an emergency meeting Monday.

Those who think they need emergency dental care should call their dentist's office for more information.

The Dentists, which has four dental offices in the Omaha area, shifted to emergent care soon after the board's recommendation came, the group's private practice administrator, Jennifer Abshier, said.

"Pain, swelling, broken teeth will get seen. We're still here for patient care," Abshier said.