Dr. R. Pierce Osborne II joined the Arkansas State Dental Association in 2001 and became its president on March 14.
Osborne was raised in Fayetteville. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1992 and then attended the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis for both dental school and a residency in periodontology between 1994 and 2001.
He’s a partner at Arkansas Periodontal & Implant Associates, which has offices in Fayetteville, Rogers, Fort Smith and Harrison. Osborne joined the practice in 2001. He is also a member and former president of the Haas Hall Academy School Board of Fayetteville. In 2016, he was honored as among the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction by Hope Cancer Resources of Springdale for his work treating cancer patients.
Are patients leery of returning to their dentists’ offices? Can you project how long that wariness may affect business?
Fewer patients are concerned than I would have thought. Interestingly, in my office I see more young people concerned than older ones. I suspect there will be a wariness until a vaccine is produced. It is worth noting that in the most recent report published by the CDC (on July 17), no COVID-19 infections in the United States have been traced back to a dental office.
What precautions are dental professionals taking to keep both the public and themselves safe?
As you have seen in other health care settings, we question and take the temperatures of our patients before they enter the building. We escort them directly to the treatment room and avoid any congregation at the front desk or in the waiting room. We all wear N95 or equivalent masks, face shields, gowns, etc. We have viral-level air filters and UV lights in the ductwork and allow the room to rest between patients.
Are these precautions expensive? How are they affecting the bottom line of dental practices?
Yes, the extra personal protective equipment really adds up. However, a much greater expense is due to the restricted patient flow. With the protocols we have in place, we cannot treat nearly as many patients. We probably see only about 60%-70% of our normal flow. Since most of our expenses have remained the same and production is down, profitability is significantly impacted.
And related to that: Have dental practices availed themselves of government — federal and state — assistance programs to see businesses through the pandemic? How helpful have they been? Does more need to be done?
The Small Business Administration loans were very necessary. I am certain that many dental offices would be permanently closed now without that assistance. The Arkansas State Dental Association requested that all dental offices voluntarily close down on March 16. The Health Department mandated the closure a week later and kept us closed until May 11. Many offices have chosen to remain closed due to the risk.
With the two months of mandated closure and now with significantly reduced income, many offices have become very strained. Most dental offices are one-practitioner privately owned businesses. I am concerned about their condition months from now should this pandemic continue much longer. Additional government support may be needed. Along with everyone else, we really need the vaccine.
If you had one message for the public about the pandemic, what would it be?
I worry that many in our state are still not taking this virus as seriously as they should. Please wear a mask and maintain social distancing. It isn’t hard, and it isn’t political. The virus doesn’t care about your political affiliation.
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