(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)
THE ABSENCE of masks does not mean the absence of the COVID-19 virus.
Consistent with the guidelines issued by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) requires face masks for everyone in specified high-risk settings.
Currently, California is seeing another surge in COVID-19 cases. Certain locations, like medical facilities and dental offices, have been determined by the California Department of Public Health to be areas of high risk for COVID-19 transmission.
These include dental offices and all other health care settings – regardless of vaccination status.
Take note that in many California communities, masks are no longer required at stores, schools and other public places.
“Despite evidence that properly worn masks can slow the spread of aerosol-borne viruses like COVID-19, some dental patients, employees and dental practice owners are hesitant to comply with in-office mask use,” the California Dental Association (CDA) has observed.
CDA’s risk management experts point out that in addition to compliance with the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards, compliance with in-office mask guidance can save money.
We in the Philippines can certainly learn from the experience of California. From here onwards, we quote directly from the CDA advisory on what it costs to business if it fails to impose masking in your practice.
“Loss of productivity. When a staff member has an unplanned absence due to COVID-19 or another illness, the rest of the practice team must share the burden of their duties. The longer an employee is absent, the less productive other employees become.
Loss of income. A lack of productivity due to the unplanned absence of an employee can quickly waterfall into loss of revenue if patients must be rescheduled for procedures. Productivity and revenue are most at risk if a dentist falls ill with COVID-19.
Increased insurance premiums. If a staff member falls ill because of poor infection control practices, this is a reportable injury and could be considered a workers’ compensation claim.
It is simply a financial fact that more claims lead to greater insurance costs, which is why robust safety programs in all areas of your dental practice protect employees and revenue.
In the United States, workers’ compensation is not the only type of insurance policy that has the potential for claims due to COVID-19 infections if health care facilities fail to comply with infection control practices.
A California appeals court just permitted a wrongful death suit to go forward. The suit is based on an employee’s claim that their exposure in the workplace to COVID-19 had led to the death of their spouse from COVID-19.
Considering how quickly COVID-19 cases can spread, it makes sense to do everything possible to minimize risk by following recommended infection control guidelines to minimize the cost of increased claims across multiple insurance policies.
Paid time off for employees. While paid time off for employees is a basic right under California law, the state of California requires employers with 26 or more employees to offer supplemental sick leave for time off related to COVID-19.
Employees who are unable to work due to workplace exposure are also eligible for exclusion pay under California’s occupational safety and health standards.
Research by the Integrated Benefits Institute shows that in 2021, American employers spent $5 billion in estimated absent employee benefit spending for employers due to the pandemic.
Patient retention and community reputation. If patients are uncomfortable receiving treatment from unmasked caregivers, they are more likely to seek care elsewhere.
There is also the chance that a practice’s reputation in the community may suffer for not abiding by infection control guidelines and keeping patients and staff safe.
Practice owners who have worked hard to build and grow their patient base understand how important a stellar reputation is to maintaining patient trust and growth through referrals.”
As California and global communities continue to deal with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, prevention of infection is still paramount. Rising costs of doing business during challenging times can be mitigated by following infection control guidelines.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
