Dentists shut down by COVID-19 are ready to bring back the smiles

Newsom lifts some restrictions on elective surgeries but excludes dentistry 

DALY CITY – San Mateo County Supervisor David J. Canepa will conduct a press conference at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 25, 1655 Southgate Ave., Daly City with oral surgeons and dentists who have been essentially closed during the state’s COVID-19 shelter in place order. Wednesday, Gov. Gavin Newsom rolled back a ban on elective surgeries but excluded dentistry.

“The state needs to offer guidelines immediately to get our dentists and oral surgeons back to work or else the long-term consequences could prove deadly,” Canepa said. “I’m having too many constituents, especially the elderly, calling me in pain complaining they can’t get into to see their dentist. I’m gravely concerned the COVID-19 pandemic could fuel the next wave of opioid addiction as many turn to self medicating. We’ve got to get our dentists back to work with a blueprint to keep them and their patients safe.”

Daly City Dr. Kim Benton DDS made the following statement: “As stated by Dr. David Satcher (former U.S. Surgeon General) oral health impacts your total health and wellbeing. The CDC says approximately 40 percent of our population suffers from some sort of gum disease. Having gum disease increases your risks of strokes, heart attacks, respiratory issues, Alzheimers and diabetes. Now more than ever, it’s imperative to address the oral health concerns of our communities as we battle COVID-19.”

Benton and Canepa will be joined at the press conference by Dr. Sam Khoury outside of his Daly City practice. Benton owns Vista Pacific Dental located on Gellert Boulevard in Daly City.