Dental News — COVID-19

Dental professionals must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination; unvaccinated must get tested regularlyThe State of California issued an order to require all health care workers in the state to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or be tested regularly. Dental offices and dental office staff are included in vaccination disclosure order.Dentist employers must verify that their workers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Dental staff who are not fully vaccinated or who cannot show proof of vaccination are subject to weekly COVID-19 testing and will be required to wear surgical masks, at minimum. 

The ADA recognizes that state governments and state dental associations may be best positioned to recommend to the dentists in their regions the amount of time to keep their offices closed to all but emergency care. This is fluid situation and those closest to the issue may best understand the local challenges being faced. Dental emergencies during COVID-19                                          This guidance may change as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses. Dentists should use their professional judgment in determining a patient’s need for urgent...

Revisions were made on April 27, 2020 To address asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic transmission, implement source control (require facemasks or cloth face coverings) for everyone entering the dental setting (dental healthcare personnel [DHCP][ 1 ] and patients), regardless of whether they have COVID-19 symptoms. Actively screen everyone on the spot for fever and symptoms of COVID-19 before they enter the dental setting. Actively screen DHCP on the spot for fever and symptoms before every shift. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dental emergencies[ 2 ] will arise and may require treatment by DHCP. DHCP should regularly consult their state dental boards or other regulating agencies...