The company says a total of $5 million has been distributed to over 25,000 dental professionals, to-date.

BURST, an oral care subscription company, is assisting dental professionals whose offices have either closed temporarily, or remain open but then put them at risk through close contact, potential contamination of saliva, and shortage of protective equipment during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

BURST announced they are waiving the $20 fee for dental professionals to join the BURST Ambassador program. The program allows working dental professionals to gain additional income through working with BURST as an ambassador, even from home, by recommending BURST products and collaborating with BURST on product innovations. A total of $5 million has been distributed to over 25,000 dental professionals, says the company.

BURST is also donating a portion of sales, up to $20,000, to the Direct Relief organization in light of COVID-19. Direct Relief supports public health authorities, nonprofit organizations and businesses in the United States, China and globally by providing personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to COVID-19. In the United States, they’re delivering protective masks—along with exam gloves and isolation gowns—to health care organizations in areas with confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The current closures and reduced hours affect not only hygienists but also hourly employees at these practices, leaving a vast majority out of work, or on reduced hours. Data from the ADA suggests there are over 350,000 working dental professionals in the USA.

“Our profession is in a really tough spot–we either risk our health or lose our livelihood. It’s a no win situation,” says Nancy Tran, RDH. “We’re particularly at high risk for exposure to COVID-19 due largely to close contact, contamination of saliva, and a current shortage of protective equipment. As a result of this, most hygienists either are out of jobs because offices are closed and are dealing solely with emergency patients with no pay, or, where offices are still open as usual, many hygienists feel forced to work and risk exposure because they fear losing their jobs. It’s truly outstanding what BURST has done for the dental community. Removing the $20 fee allows any dental professional in financial need the ability to recommend and earn in the comforts of their home via social media and word of mouth.”