Oral Health Workforce Implications from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Session Description: As the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the US in early 2020, our society had to take drastic changes and make significant sacrifices in order to help mitigate the impact of this deadly virus. Among the changes needed were alterations in non-COVID-19 related healthcare provisions. In March and April many states had executive orders or recommendations that limited access to dental care to only urgent and emergency services. As dental clinics began to reopen, many were faced with new challenges and ongoing obstacles. The impact of these changes on the oral health care workforce were acute, with some sustained alterations anticipated. These circumstances will also influence patient care—the type of care provided, access to care, and ongoing concerns about safe care during the pandemic. This session will bring together leading investigators and stakeholders in oral health and will share knowledge and insights on how the pandemic impacted patients and providers.