Iowa dental hygienist fined by state for working after positive COVID-19 test

Rachel Crabb, an Iowa dental hygienist who continued working while she knowingly was infected with COVID-19, agreed to pay a $100 fine and had her license suspended for five days, according to a settlement with the Iowa Dental Board.

Ms. Crabb was also required to take five hours of infection control and ethics classes.

According to the Iowa Dental Board, Ms. Crabb tested positive for COVID-19 Feb. 1. At the time, she worked for two separate dental offices. She informed one dentist of her diagnosis and followed state requirements that she not return to work at that office until 10 days after the positive test result.

However, the dental hygienist worked at her other job Feb. 3, according to the agreement the board approved Aug. 6.

The order didn't note how many patients may have been exposed.

"We are not able to share any additional information regarding this complaint beyond what is already public," Sarah Ekstrand, spokesperson for the state's public health department, told the Des Moines Register.

According to representatives of the two dental practices, Ms. Crabb continues to work at one of the dental offices, reports the Register.

Ms. Crabb didn't respond to multiple interview requests, according to the Register.

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