As dentists continue their return to practice, official guidance from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the California Department of Public Health offers a roadmap for resuming dental care to patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many dentists were awaiting an update to the CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response. That update came May 19 to include recommendations for resuming deferred and preventive care, not just emergency care. The update includes important guidance for patient screening, facilities and equipment, disinfection and administrative controls, among other procedures.

For additional details on the  CDC’s updated interim guidance, watch the June 3 Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity webinar for key highlights.

The May 19 update from the CDC follows a similar update from the CDPH that was issued May 7. CDA is pleased to have both sets of guidance to provide specific recommendations that pave the way for dentists to safely resume care.

Following the latest from the CDC, CDPH will be reviewing its interim guidance to determine if adjustments are needed to align with the CDC recommendations. For example, the CDC guidance includes a specific recommendation to wait 15 minutes after the completion of clinical care and exit of each patient before beginning to clean and disinfect the operatory surfaces. CDPH is expected to revise its guidance only if it determines a need to do so.

For easy-to-use trainings, references and recommendations on putting this official guidance into practice, visit CDA’s Back to Practice resource library.