There are three steps that should be taken if an employee reports a positive COVID-19 result, per the California Dental Association.
Three steps to follow:
Assess whether a close contact exposure to the employee has occurred from two days prior to the onset of the employee's symptoms or positive test until the employee was last at the practice.
2. If close contact exposure has occurred, conduct contact tracing.
3. Immediately notify each person who had close contact exposure and tell them to consult with a medical provider. Providers cannot disclose the employee's identity, vaccination status or health information to the patient.
Additionally, dentists may be required to notify local or state health departments, along with workers' compensation. Each agency has its own reporting requirements.