COVID-19 Mortality Among Dental Healthcare Workers Exceeds 0.006%

Strategic Insights -

A retrospective study assessing the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on dental healthcare workers (DHCWs) has been presented, revealing a concerning mortality rate among this group. The study, published in the International Dental Journal, highlights the increased risk of infection among DHCWs due to frequent exposure to aerosol-generating procedures. The research found that 100 DHCWs lost their lives during the pandemic, with the majority being dentists who worked in the United States and Italy.

Key Takeaways:

  • 100 DHCWs died during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with dentists constituting 79% of the total.
  • The United States (40%) and Italy (34%) reported the highest percentages of deaths among DHCWs.
  • The majority of deceased DHCWs were men (85%), with an average age of 58 years (ranging from 28 to 88).
  • The age group of 60-70 years exhibited the highest mortality rate (49%) from SARS-CoV-2.
  • The DHCWs worked in the context of general practice, adhering to infection prevention protocols and incorporating new measures to reduce the pandemic's impact.

Statistics:

  • 100 DHCWs died during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
  • 79% of the deceased DHCWs were dentists.
  • 85% of the deceased DHCWs were men.
  • The average age of the deceased DHCWs was 58 years.
  • 49% of the deceased DHCWs were between the ages of 60 and 70 years.
  • The mortality rate among DHCWs was less than 0.006% of the estimated worldwide DHCWs.

Sources:

  • Mortality Among Dental Healthcare Workers During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: a Public Domain Database Study. International Dental Journal, 2025;75(2):692-699.
  • Elsevier. International Dental Journal. Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Wiley-Blackwell - www.wiley.com/; International Dental Journal - onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1002/(ISSN)1875-595X)