PPE Shortage Limits Which Patients Dentists Can See

Unless your need is urgent, you probably won't be able to get in to see the dentist for a while longer.
Dr. Susan Bishop is dental director at the Peoria City/County Health Department. She said dentists are only taking emergency and "near-emergency" patients right now.
 
"We don't know what the future has for us in terms of available PPE," she said. "Our state dental society is working diligently to see what we can to do be able to see our patients."
 
That also affects orthodontists. Bishop said that means some children aren't receiving regular adjustments from their orthodontist.
 
"It may mean that that has to slide back to the very start. And that would be very expensive, and time, and very disappointing for the patient, as well as the parents," Bishop said.
 
Bishop said overall health is contingent upon oral health. But dentists and oral specialists need the appropriate masks and gowns to protect themselves and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic before getting back up to speed.
 
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