KDA Member Dentists,
Governor Laura Kelly has just announced the lifting of Executive Order #20-24, which placed a statewide stay-at-home order on all Kansans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, when it expires on May 3.
Now that Governor Kelly has lifted EO #20-24 and the KDHE Bureau of Oral Health has authorized dental offices to fully reopen on Monday, May 4 (notice sent by the KDA earlier today), dentists need to pay attention to any county orders for final reopening guidance.
If your county does issue its own stay-at-home order, it does NOT mean that a dental office cannot fully reopen or is limited to providing emergent care only. For example, the Johnson County stay-at-home order, which has been extended through May 10, defines “medical service” as “essential” and allows residences to seek medical care.
Review any order your county might impose and look for the definition of "
essential service, business and/or activity” to determine if “dental care, dentistry, or dentists” is included within “healthcare or medical care” along with grocery stores, gas stations, etc. If so, dentists are free to reopen
UNLESS dental services have been specifically restricted!
The good news is, on Monday morning nearly all dental offices will be able to be back in business with proper social distancing, PPE, and other guidelines spelled out by the ADA, KDA, CDC, etc.
I know this is “clear as mud”… If you need assistance interpreting your county’s order, the KDA will do our best to help.
