Following a CDC publication on the benefits of double masking, the California Dental Association is urging dental practices to maintain personal protective equipment practices specific to dental settings.
The CDC released research Feb. 10 suggesting that wearing a tight-fitting cloth mask over a surgical mask can offer more protection against COVID-19.
The CDA believes the guidance may be effective in many public settings, but says dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations. The CDA is advising dental teams to continue following industry-specific PPE recommendations.
The CDA used interim CDC infection control guidance to develop PPE guidance for dentists last fall. The guidance recommends PPE such as face shields and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified respirators to best protect patients and staff during patient temperature screenings, administrative work, aerosol-generating procedures and other specific services.