Dear KDA Members,
The Kansas Dental Association is closely following the situation regarding novel coronavirus (COVID-19), including monitoring guidance and messages from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others.
While events are rapidly evolving, there are no current mandatory restrictions specific to dentistry in Kansas.
Practices are encouraged to over exceed normal infection control procedures and follow all CDC and FDA guidelines:
- Social distancing in waiting rooms
- Extra surface disinfecting
- Respiratory hygiene
- Frequent hand washing for staff and patients.
- Symptomatic staff are sent home for two weeks
In addition, dentists may consider:
- Monitoring patients and postponing elective procedures on symptomatic patients for a fourteen-day period
- Postponing elective procedures on high risk patients over 60 years of age with diabetes, cardiac disease, or respiratory and lung diseases
- Effectively deal with aerosols with universal precautions, high speed suction, and rubber dams
We know the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) is nearing critical levels. Dental supply companies are doing what they can to increase production. Please do not continue to see patients if you run out of PPE.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has also created a special website (
kdheks.gov/coronavirus
) and hotline (866-534-3463) to address concerns and answers questions about COVID-19.
As you know, this is a rapidly evolving situation. The ADA/KDA will make any new information from the CDC, KDHE, or other organizations available to members immediately.
