As you may have heard, the CDC updated their Guidance for Dental Settings (dated 5/19 but appeared to be distributed 5/21). I was pleased to see that the guidance is in line and complements the guidance from the ADA and MDA. I urge you to read the CDC guidance for yourself and so that you can determine if you are comfortable with them considering the protocols that you have established at your practice.

 

One item of note is that the CDC does specifically talk about air quality. As I have done in the past, I urge you to make a plan for and document what you are doing to address air quality in your practice. There is no established air quality standard for dental settings presently, but as specifically noted in both the new CDC guidance and the MDA guidance, you could consider: HEPA, UV irradiation, time in between patients, supplemental evacuation etc. 

 

Let me highlight one other thing for you: The CDC, MDA and ADA have created guidance to help you practice safely. Please read these documents in their entirety. 

As a reminder, the State of Maine makes laws and the Maine Board of Dental Practice makes rules for licensees. If you have questions about either law or board rule, please contact those respective regulatory bodies. There is no "one way" to apply the current guidance to a dental practice; the practice owner must make informed decisions about how she or he will practice within that guidance. If you are a practice owner, I urge you to involve your employees in the process of creating protocols based on the laws, rules, and guidance.