The CDC released infection prevention and control guidelines this week for offices resuming nonemergency dental care during the pandemic.
Key takeaways:
1. Tell staff and patients in advance that they need to stay home if sick.
2. Contact all patients before dental treatment.
3. Screen all people for fever and COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of the rate of community spread.
4. Strategically post signs around the office with instructions about hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Instructions should include wearing a face mask.
5. Provide hand sanitizer with 60 percent to 95 percent alcohol, tissues and no-touch garbage cans at entrances, waiting rooms and patient check-ins.
6. Install glass or plastic windows at reception areas.
7. Ensure dental unit water lines, autoclaves and instrument-cleaning equipment don't require maintenance or repair. Review manufacturer instructions about equipment use after non-use over a period of time.
8. Dental professionals should limit care to one patient at a time.
9. Avoid the use of dental handpieces and the air/water syringe.
10. Dental professionals should wear a face mask at all times.
11. Properly maintain ventilation systems.
12. Know the steps to take if a patient with COVID-19 symptoms enters the office.
As of May 22, 42 states have allowed dental offices to resume routine care in some capacity, according to CBS News.