The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new guidance today for infection prevention and control as it relates to COVID-19.

Key points of guidance are below:

• Dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant additional infection control considerations.
• Postpone elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits, and contact patients prior to emergency procedures. Stay at home if sick and know steps to take if a patient with COVID-19 symptoms enters your facility.
• Implement sick leave policies for DHCP that are flexible, non-punitive, and consistent with public health guidance.
• Call all patients before their scheduled appointments and screen for symptoms of respiratory illness over the phone

Additional Resources

• Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations
• Public Health Personnel Evaluating at Home or Non-Home Residential Settings
• Risk Assessment and Public Health Management of Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure
• American Dental Association: What Constitutes a Dental Emergencypdf iconexternal icon

To see the full guidance and additional resources, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/dental-settings.html

Post authored by:

Annaliese Cothron | Executive Director

The American Institute of Dental Public Health

@AECothron

cothron@aidph.org