“In states that are considering reopening, the ADA believes dentists should exercise professional judgment and carefully consider the availability of appropriate PPE to minimize risk of virus transmission.”
ADA Provides Interim Guidance As Some States Consider Reopening
On April 18, ADA President Dr. Chad Gehani sent an Issues Alert email to members and the ADA News (4/18, Burger) reported that the ADA issued an updated statement and interim guidance. The statement and interim guidance are meant to help dentists who may reopen their practices when state mandates are lifted by providing recommendations the use of masks and face shields or goggles in order to practice during this pandemic and minimize the risk of virus transmission.
According to the statement, “In states that are considering reopening, the ADA believes dentists should exercise professional judgment and carefully consider the availability of appropriate PPE to minimize risk of virus transmission.” In addition, “dentists are urged to use the highest level of PPE available when treating patients to reduce the risk of exposure.”
To help dentists understand face masks, a new chart from the ADA “highlights the characteristics of several common types of masks and their appropriate uses, defining and differentiating between them.”
The ADA also offers information on state mandates and recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With its newly formed ADA Recovery Task Force, the ADA will be adding additional resources in the near future. Get all ADA guidance at ADA.org/virus.