Patients with upcoming dental appointments at the Oral Medicine clinic at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine were contacted to solicit interest in participating in a pilot study to assess feasibility of testing asymptomatic dental patients for SARS CoV 2 infection using an RNA RT-PCR assay. Interested subjects completed a previsit survey after confirming their interest electronically. Subsequently, they received kit to collect their saliva sample at home along with instructions on how to do so. They were directed to drop off their saliva samples for testing at the dental clinic and signed the consent form at that time. After confirming a negative result, the patients were subsequently triaged over the phone for any symptoms and the following day, presented for their dental visit.~On the day of their visit, they were triaged, completed their dental visit and were surveyed to get their feedback on the study procedures and their perceptions of safety.~Overall, 11 subjects with upcoming appointment at the Oral Medicine clinic, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, with no history of documented COVID-19 infection or viral exposure, were enrolled in the study that interrogated patients' perceptions of safety and feedback regarding their testing experience. All 11 patients expressed initial interest, however, only 10 patients completed informed consent and submitted their saliva samples for testing. 9 patients completed all the steps of the pilot study.
A pilot study was initiated to assess feasibility of testing asymptomatic dental patients presenting to the Oral Medicine Clinic at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using an FDA approved RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV2- an RNA RT-PCR assay (Accurate Diagnostics)