In Dentists Gabrielle Masson 

12 states resuming dental procedures

These 12 states have allowed dental practices to reopen and resume elective surgeries.

Note: This is an evolving situation and this is not an exhaustive list.

Alabama: Nonemergency dental procedures can restart, effective April 30 at 5 p.m. CDT, according to Gov. Kay Ivey's order released April 28. Providers must follow all applicable COVID-19 rules, or, in the absence of such rules, take reasonable steps to comply with related guidelines from CMS and the CDC.

Arizona: Dentists can resume elective surgeries May 1 if they have implemented certain measures, including a more than 14-day supply of protective gear.

California: Gov. Gavin Newsom allowed hospitals to resume nonemergency procedures April 22, though Resuming California's Deferred and Preventive Health Care set benchmarks that must be considered before beginning routine care. The considerations include COVID-19 infection rates, adequate PPE supply and testing ability, input from local public health officials, availability of qualified staff, and facility-specific infection control plans.

Colorado: Gov. Jared Polis released an executive order April 26 allowing dentists to resume voluntary procedures, though practices must establish a plan to reduce or stop procedures if there is a local surge of COVID-19 cases. Offices must also have sufficient supply of PPE; a universal symptom screening process for all staff, patients and visitors; and social distancing in waiting rooms, among other things.

Indiana: Gov. Eric Holcomb revised a previous stay-at-home order April 21. Dentists were able to resume elective procedures April 26, provided sufficient personal protective equipment, staff and other supplies were available.

Louisiana: Beginning April 27, dentists and other healthcare professionals returned to work, able to perform procedures "to avoid further harms from an underlying condition or disease, and for time-sensitive conditions."

Ohio: Gov. Mike DeWine issued an order allowing dental offices to reopen May 1, urging healthcare professionals to review any postponed procedures or surgeries with patients and make a joint decision about whether or not to proceed.

Oklahoma: Gov. Kevin Stitt's three-phase plan to reopen the state's economy will not be extending any restrictions on dental practices beyond April 30, a move supported by the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.

Oregon: If certain infection control requirements are met, dental offices can reopen and resume non-urgent procedures beginning May 1.

Texas: Gov. Greg Abbott loosened restrictions on elective surgeries in the state, allowing dentists to resume procedures May 1, a move the Texas Dental Association advocated for.

Utah: Dental practices were able to reopen April 22, after Gov. Gary Herbert announced the return of elective procedures under guidelines established with the Utah Dental Association and other healthcare groups. The new order requires patients' temperatures be taken before entering a healthcare facility. Only one visitor is allowed per patient, and everyone is required to wear a mask, except the patient when a procedure is occurring.

Virginia: Nonemergency dental procedures can resume May 1, Gov. Ralph Northam announced April 29.

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