Oklahoma Dental Association disagrees with WHO’s recommendation to avoid going to dentist

After the World Health Organization released a statement recommending people avoid going to the dentist for non-emergency visits, the Oklahoma Dental Association voiced its disagreement.

According to a statement released earlier this month from the WHO, people should avoid going to the dentist until there’s a drop in transmission rates because dentists work in close proximity to patients’ faces. The Oklahoma Dental Association, however, said they are just as protected as any doctor.

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“People should not feel scared going to the dentists because we are used to taking infection control measures,” Oklahoma Dental Association President Paul Mullasseril said.

Mullasseril told KOCO 5 that he’s disappointed with the WHO and said the organization’s statement is misleading.

“Dental offices are probably one of the safest places you can go because of all the precautions we can take,” he said. “The N-95 mask, we also have something called the K-95 mask. On top of that, we have a shield.”

Dentists top it all off by wearing a hair net and gown and by lots of cleaning and disinfecting.

“It’s absolutely safe to go to the dentist,” Mullasseril said.

He also mentioned skipping cleanings and avoiding dental care could cause long-term health conditions and severe heart complications.

“From a simple infection that can lead to a bigger abscess,” Mullasseril said.

He also said people should feel safe and protected when they go to their scheduled dental visit.

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