The ADA has announced that dental practices are mostly exempt from OSHA's new emergency temporary standard to protect health care workers from COVID-19.

The OSHA emergency standard, released June 10, provides additional guidance for health care settings. Dental offices most likely to be affected by the new standard include hospital-based oral surgery practices or those dentists who provide care for COVID-19 patients.

“The great news is that dentistry is largely exempt from this additional federal regulation,” said ADA President Dr. Daniel J. Klemmedson, in a video message to dentists. “Why? Because of dentistry’s proven ability to practice safely during the pandemic.”

Earlier this month, Dr. Klemmedson and ADA staff met with the White House Office of Management and Budget to discuss how the rule could impact dentistry. During that meeting, the ADA told officials there wasn’t a “grave danger of being exposed to COVID-19 in dental settings, particularly as the pandemic is decelerating” and noted that dentists have experienced “exceptionally low monthly incidences of COVID-19” despite several regional and national spikes during OSHA's study periods.

Last Monday the mask mandate in Marion County was lifted, making the entire state now free of indoor mask mandates.

However, the CDC still recommends that masks be worn in certain settings, including healthcare offices and facilities.

Many dental offices have had questions about continued enhanced screening of patients. These screenings continue to be highly recommended by the CDC and the ADA. Click the link below to read the ADA's updated guidance on dental office precautions.

The IDA is offering numerous live and virtual CE opportunities for members:

Ethics and OSHA/BLS are both required for licensure renewal in March 2022. Thank you for letting IDA be a part of your professional development.

The IDA will be providing a self-study publication in ethics and opioids to all members later this summer. In the past these topics have been part of our Journal IDA in odd numbered years, but this publication will now be a stand-alone CE self-study guide.

The cost of the publication is free, and the cost of the accompanying quiz and completion certificate are as follows:

All dentists and hygienists in Indiana are required to obtain two hours of ethics CE during this current licensure cycle. CE in opioid abuse and prevention is required for any Indiana dentist with a CSR, but the study of opioid abuse and prevention is invaluable for any dentist.

The IDA Government Affairs Committee continues to work on behalf of members even during the summer legislative lull. IDA Director of Government Affairs Shane Springer and committee members have been meeting with legislators, attending fundraisers, and strategizing for the 2022 Legislative Session.

Your donations to IDPAC help fund these and other advocacy activities. Click the link below to contribute.

DrFirst’s iPrescribe app allows dentists to electronically prescribe controlled substances in compliance with Indiana and federal law. The iPrescribe app can be downloaded on any tablet or phone. The first two years of service are free, with a $10 a month fee starting in the third year.

Dr. Jay Asdell, an oral surgeon in South Bend, highly recommends the app to all providers. "I use it for all prescriptions, not just for narcotics. After the initial setup, which is somewhat labor intensive, the app itself is very easy to use and helps speed up the prescribing process. I welcome any questions regarding the process."

Dr. Jill Burns, a general dentist in Richmond, echoed Dr. Asdell's comments. "We are now moving all of our prescriptions through the app because of the ease of use. My assistants love using it because it eliminates the use of paper prescriptions and not having to chase me around to sign one. I love it because I have a regular prescription sent in with two clicks and the scheduled drugs with a few more. I cannot recommend the iPrescribe and Dr First enough."