This blog Post is no longer updated – Click the Map below for Updates
The ADA has released an interactive map that is updated daily to view state mandates and recommendations for dental practices in response to COVID19. We recommend you utilize this resource by clicking the map or following this link.
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The Portion Below is No Longer Maintained:
Last UPDATE: MONDAY April 20, 2020 at 9:52AM MST
Below is the state by state statements made by dental associations regarding the need to limit or postpone dental care due to the spread of COVID-19. The team at ProEdge will make every effort to keep this updated as possible. Please consult with your state dental association directly to ensure up-to-date and accurate information.
THE AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION Recommendation:
"ADA Urges Dentists to Heed April 30 Interim Postponement Recommendation, Maintain Focus on Urgent and Emergency Dental Care Only
April 01, 2020: The current American Dental Association (ADA) recommendation for dentists to keep their offices closed to all but emergency care expires on April 6. The new interim recommendation from the ADA is that dentists keep their offices closed to all but urgent and emergency procedures until April 30 at the earliest."
Centers for Disease Control Dental Recommendation:
March 27, 2020: "In order to protect staff and preserve personal protective equipment and patient care supplies, as well as expand available hospital capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that dental facilities postpone elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits, and prioritize urgent and emergency visits and procedures now and for the coming several weeks."
https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/statement-COVID.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/dental-settings.html
ALABAMA: April 30
ORDER OF THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER: March 28, 2020: "14. Effective March 28, 2020 at 5:00 P.M., all dental, medical, or surgical procedures shall be postponed until further notice, subject to the following exceptions: a. Dental, medical, or surgical procedures necessary to treat an emergency medical condition. For purposes of this order, “emergency medical condition” is defined as a medical condition manifesting itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain, psychiatric disturbances, and/or symptoms of substance abuse) such that the absence of immediate medical attention could reasonably be expected by a person’s licensed medical provider to result in placing the health of the person in serious jeopardy or causing serious impairment to bodily functions or serious dysfunction of bodily organs. b. Dental, medical, or surgical procedures necessary to avoid serious harm from an underlying condition or disease, or necessary as part of a patient’s ongoing and active treatment.
"16. This Order shall remain in full force and effect until 5:00 P.M. on April 30, 2020. Prior to 5:00 P.M. on April 30, 2020, a determination shall be made whether to extend this Order—or, if circumstances permit, to relax this Order."
ALASKA: April 20
Alaska Dental Society: "The State of Alaska has mandated dental offices close for elective procedures for one month starting March 20th. Dental offices are encouraged to provide emergency treatment during this time. For more information please follow the link below."
ARIZONA: Until Further Notice
State of Arizona Executive Order: 1. Beginning March 21, at 8:00am, all non-essential or elective surgeries, including elective dental surgeries, that utilize personal protective equipment or ventilators shall not be performed at any licensed healthcare facility or by any licensed healthcare provider in the State of Arizona. 2. A non-essential or elective surgery means a surgery that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of a patient. A licensed medical professional shall use their best medical judgment in determining whether a surgery is non-essential or elective... This order shall remain in place until further notice, and shall be reconsidered every two weeks following issuance."
Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners: "The Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners: supports the American Dental Association’s (“ADA”) recommendation(s). To quote the ADA, “As healthcare professionals, it is up to dentists to make well-informed decisions about their patients and practices.” As always, the Board hopes and urges its licensees to continue to be available as needed for essential and/or emergency care and services, but to take appropriate and enhanced precautionary measures for patient safety, as well as the safety of their staffs and themselves."
Prep your Waterlines for Postponed Care:
ARKANSAS: April 30
Arkansas Department of Health: March 23, 2020: “The Secretary of Health, as of March 23, 2020, directs and mandates that all dental practitioners follow the recommendation of the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners and the American Dental Association that only urgent and emergent dental care take place, and that non-emergent dental care be suspended until further notice. This directive and mandate is subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses.”
https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/pdf/Directive_for_Dentists_03192020.pdf
“The Secretary of Health, in consultation with the Governor, has sole authority over all instances of quarantine, isolation, and restrictions on commerce and travel throughout Arkansas, as necessary and appropriate to control disease in the state of Arkansas as authorized by Ark. Code Ann. §20-7-109—110. Based on available scientific evidence, it is necessary and appropriate to take further action to ensure that COVID-19 remains controlled and that residents and visitors in Arkansas remain safe”.
“A previously issued Directive is hereby extended to April 30, 2020.”
https://www.asbde.org/Websites/dental/images/DIRECTIVE%20extension%20to%20April%2030%20Dentists.pdf
CALIFORNIA: Postpone Until further notice
The California Dental Association: "The California Dental Association strongly recommends that dentists practicing in California suspend all in-person dental care with the exception of emergency treatment, until further notice."
COLORADO: April 27
Colorado State Dental Association: April 7, 2020 "Last night, Gov. Polis signed an executive order extending the state’s stay at home mandate. Gov. Polis also extended the temporary suspension of elective and non-essential surgeries and procedures to preserve PPE. These executive orders are in effect through April 26 at the earliest.*
"The Colorado Dental Association aligns its recommendation to temporarily suspend elective/non-essential surgeries with the governor’s order."
https://cdaonline.org/covid19/
CONNECTICUT: May 20
Connecticut State Dental Association: April 16, 2020 – "Resolved, that the CSDA Board of Governors strongly urges that the Connecticut dentists cancel all elective procedures, and only provide emergency/urgent care as defined by the American Dental Association; be it further
"Resolved, that in support of Governor Lamont’s “Stay Safe Stay Home” distancing and safety guidelines The CSDA Board of Governors, after careful consideration has determined it will align with the Governor’s recommendations and continue this strong recommendation through May 20, 2020; be it further
"Resolved, that this policy shall be revisited to accommodate further developments regarding COVID-19 and further actions/recommendations from the ADA or government agencies as needed.
"To be clear, although dentistry is on the list of “essential businesses” in the Governor’s “Stay Safe, Stay Home” executive order, the intent of the CSDA is for all dentists to follow these recommendations and cancel elective and routine care including hygiene, and only treat urgent/emergent dental issues. Click here to read more."
DELAWARE: April 30
Delaware State Dental Society: "The DSDS strongly recommends that all Delaware dentists limit their practices to urgent/emergency care only until April 30, 2020. Delaware State Dental Society President, Cathy Harris."
https://delawarestatedentalsociety.org/covid19-04102020.html
District of Columbia: No Specific Date recommendation
DC Department of Health: "The Surgeon General has advised a halt to all hospital elective procedures to ensure resources are available to treat patients with coronavirus (COVID‐19), while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommendations for specific health care settings to minimize risk once there is community spread. In addition to halting all hospital elective procedures, the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health) is recommending that ALL elective medical procedures, non‐urgent hospital and outpatient visits, and non‐urgent dental procedures be postponed to preserve health care capacity as our community mitigation strategies work to flatten the epidemic curve."
https://www.dcdental.org/covid-19-information
FLORIDA: May 8
Florida Dental Association: "Governor Places Mandates on Dental Offices – All hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental, orthodontic and endodontic offices and other health care practitioners’ offices are directed to immediately cease performing elective services until May 8, 2020.
"Through issuance of Executive Order 20-72, Gov. Ron DeSantis has mandated the prohibition of any medically unnecessary, non-urgent or non-emergency procedure or surgery in the state of Florida. Dentists would still be required to see emergency patients. All non-essential elective medical and surgical procedures, including dental procedures, are included in order to conserve medical supplies and resources, preserve essential resources and control the potential spread of COVID-19."
GEORGIA: April 30
Georgia Dental Association: April 9, 2020: "In conjunction with Governor Kemp's decision to extend his Declaration of a Public Health State of Emergency through May 13, 2020 and statewide shelter-in-place order through April 30, 2020, and consistent with current, federal social-distancing guidelines and CDC recommendations, the GDA recommends that until further notice, all Georgia licensed dentists and dental facilities should continue to postpone elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits, and prioritize urgent and emergency visits and procedures through April 30, 2020."
https://www.gadental.org/coronavirus/press-releases-and-announcements
HAWAII: APRIL 30
Hawaii Dental Association: "The HDA Board of Trustees, in alignment with ADA recommendations and Federal and State mandates, has extended its recommendation, limiting dental treatment to urgent and emergent care, until April 30. This is because the number of confirmed cases in Hawaii have not yet peaked. The availability of quicker Covid 19 tests and the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic measures will eventually have a positive impact on our situation. At this time, patience is paramount."
https://www.hawaiidentalassociation.net/
IDAHO: April 30
Idaho State Dental Association: "Governor Little has extended the stay home order until April 30, while allowing some businesses that can conform to social distancing guidelines to reopen. Governor Little wants the economy back in action, but at the same time maintaining the safety of the public. The Governor does recognize dentistry as an essential business, and he again referenced the CDC guidelines. The guidelines from the CDC, OSHA and ADA provide the framework for dentists to operate in conjunction with Governor Little’s stay at home order.
As an essential business, the best thing you can do to support the goals of the stay at home order is to comply with the CMS, CDC, ADA, and ISDA guidance to Postpone Elective Procedures, Surgeries, and Non-urgent Dental Visits."
https://www.theisda.org/member-center/covid-19-information
ILLINOIS: Until Further Notice
Illinois State Dental Society: April 1, 2020: "Until further notice, the Illinois State Dental Society recommends that dentists cease all in-person dental treatment except for dental emergencies. Gov. J.B. Pritzker extended a "stay-at-home" order for all residents, directing people to remain in their homes except for essentials until the end of April to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Until further notice, the Illinois State Dental Society recommends that dentists cease all in-person dental treatment except for dental emergencies."
https://www.isds.org/news-details/2020/04/01/4.1.2020-press-release
INDIANA: April 20
The Indiana Dental Association: "March 31, 2020: 'To preserve PPE for health care providers who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning April 1, 2020, and extending to April 20, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., all health care providers, whether medical, dental or other … are directed to cancel or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical or invasive procedures. An ‘elective and non-urgent’ procedure, for the purpose of this Executive Order, includes any surgery or invasive procedure which can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient as determined by the patient’s treating physician, dentist or health care provider. The order remains in effect for the duration of this public health emergency.'”
"The order does not apply to procedures that would not in any way utilize PPE, with the exemption of gloves. Like the previous order issued on March 23, the directive allows providers to use professional judgment in determining what procedures can be delayed without undue risk to the patient. However, its intent is clearly to postpone as many procedures as possible that require the use of PPE, thereby impacting most dental procedures."
https://indental.org/governor-expands-limitations-on-dental-procedures/
Iowa: April 30
Iowa Dental Association: April 2, 2020: “During her press conference on March 26, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the signing of a new proclamation suspending elective and nonessential dental procedures beginning at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 27 through 11:59 PM on April 16. At her press conference on April 2, Governor Reynolds extended her proclamation until April 30. The proclamation allows the governor the right to terminate this proclamation earlier or extend it.”
The proclamation specifies that: “All dentists and their staff shall refrain from performing elective dental procedures, including: any cosmetic or aesthetic procedures; all routine hygiene; any orthodontic procedures other than those necessary to relieve pain or infection or to restore normal oral functioning; initiation of crowns, bridges, or dentures that do not address or prevent pain or restore normal oral functioning; any periodontal plastic surgery; extraction of asymptomatic non-carious teeth; recall visits for periodontally-healthy patients; and all appointments for high-risk patients, including ASA 2 and 3 patients, unless emergent.”
https://www.iowadental.org/for-the-public/coronavirus
Kansas: May 3
Kansas Dental Association: "On Wednesday, April 15, Governor Laura Kelly announced the statewide stay-at-home order would remain in effect until Sunday, May 3. This update extends the guidance on dentists treating only emergencies until Sunday, May 3 as well."
Kentucky: April 30
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Louisiana: April 30
Louisiana State Department of Health: "The State of Louisiana, Department of Health ("LDH"), is committed to taking critical steps to ensure public health and safety; to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the State of Louisiana, Department of Health, is DIRECTING AND REQUIRING that all providers of dental services (including dentists and hygienists) in Louisiana adhere to the following provisions, restrictions, and limitations, EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY:
A: Dental Visits, Procedures and Surgeries,
A.1 The State of Louisiana, Department of Health, hereby prohibits all routine non-essential dental visits and all routine, non-essential dental procedures/surgeries in Louisiana for thirty (30) days from the date of this notice."
http://www.ladental.org/images/stories/Disaster-Recovery/DentalNotice.3.17.20.pdf
April 7, 2020: “This Emergency Order shall continue all below previously issued LDH Notices and Orders and shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2020, but may be further extended by subsequent order of the State Health Officer.”
http://www.ladental.org/images/stories/Disaster-Recovery/LDH-Order-extend-previous-4-7-20.pdf
Maine: April 30
Maryland: Until Further Notice
Maryland State Dental Association: "Effective 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the Maryland Department of Health issued a mandate that all healthcare practitioners, including Dentistry, postpone all non-emergency or non-urgent procedures for the duration of this “catastrophic health emergency”. With the new directives from MDH, on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, the MSDA Board of Trustees unanimously voted to amend its statement to coincide with MDH’s timeline. Click here to see the Maryland Department of Health’s mandate. Click here to see the official MSDA statement.
Massachusetts: May 4
Massachusetts Dental Society: "Updated 4/1/2020: The MDS continues to monitor the outbreak of the coronavirus and COVID-19 and will keep members informed of any new developments and recommendations. Please be sure to read all the communications we send you and continue to check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Dental Association, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health websites for the most current information and updated guidelines. The MDS strongly recommends that dental offices in the Commonwealth remain closed to patients seeking elective and non-urgent care until May 4, 2020. As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for emergency management."
https://www.massdental.org/Member-Resources/Practice-Management/Coronavirus
Prep your Waterlines for Postponed Care:
Michigan: Until further Notice
Michigan Dental Association: "4/2/2020: Expanded Emergency and Disaster Declaration | Executive Order No. 2020-33
This Executive Order rescinds and replace Executive Order 2020-4, the first emergency declaration, and all previous orders now rest on this order. End date: When emergency conditions no longer exist."
"Bans on Nonessential or Elective Dental Procedures | Executive Order 2020-17: No Michigan dentist should perform any nonessential or elective procedures. Consequences could include loss of licensure or action against your license, criminal charges from the Michigan Attorney General's Office, monetary fines, and MDA ethical violations. This order continues as long as the state of emergency declared in Executive Order No. 2020-33 is in effect. NOTE: It does not expire with the Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order. As a health provider you must ultimately decide what is essential for the health of your patient.
https://www.michigandental.org/Member-Center/Coronavirus-Update#MDA
Minnesota: Until further notice
Minnesota Dental Association: "Beginning no later than March 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm, and continuing for the duration of the peacetime emergency declared in Executive Order 20-01 or until this Executive Order is rescinded, all non-essential or elective surgeries and procedures, including non-emergent or elective dental care, that utilize PPE or ventilators must be postponed indefinitely."
https://www.mndental.org/virus/
Mississippi: April 17
Mississippi Dental Association: "To All Mississippi Licensees: On Monday, March 30, 2020, the MSBDE voted to extend the MS Department of Health Mandate for Mississippi Dentistry THROUGH Friday, April 17th. This mandate states in no uncertain terms that "Dentists must delay non-emergency or routine dental procedures." This is a public health order that is mandatory and enforceable by law.
"This mandate clearly states that all elective dentistry is to stop. Emergency or Urgent procedures to alleviate severe pain, dangerous swelling, or infection with the potential to necessitate hospital care are allowed. Additionally, the final cementation of crowns or the completion of work in progress that could result in harm IS allowable as urgent care. It is up to the judgement of the licensed professional which cases require emergency or urgent treatment."
https://www.msdental.org/news-publications/health-advisory
Missouri: April 30
Missouri Dental Association: "The MDA supports the ADA and CDC and CDC recommendations. We trust our members to practice ethically and follow these recommendations as well as that of local authorities. April 2 — ADA Urges Dentists to Heed April 30 Interim Postponement Recommendation, Maintain Focus on Urgent and Emergency Dental Care Only"
Montana: LINK TO ADA
Montana Dental Association: March 16, 2020: "As health care professionals, it is up to dentists to make well-informed decisions about their patients and practices. The MDA is committed to providing the latest information to the profession in a useful and timely manner.
"We encourage MDA members to review the recommendations from the ADA and Center for Disease Control for guidance on how to proceed under these challenging circumstances."
https://www.montanadental.org/covid-19-updates
Nebraska: County Dependent - as Late as May 15
The Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services: Directed Health Measure Order 2020-005 – "Elective surgeries and elective procedures are hereby prohibited. For the purposes of this Order, this means a surgery or procedure that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency. Surgeries or procedures that must be done to preserve the patient's life or physical health, but do not need to be performed immediately, are allowed by a case-by-case determination of the medical provider."
Nebraska Dental Association: "This DHM is a mandate, not a recommendation. Failure to comply with this mandate will result in legal action for enforcement by civil and/or criminal remedies. Dentistry as usual is off limits."
https://www.nedental.org/member-center/covid-19-update
Nevada: April 30
Nevada Dental Association: "The NDA has developed recommendations consistent with guidance from the ADA, other state dental associations and the Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners (NSBDE)."
New Hampshire: May 4
New Hampshire Dental Society: March 26, 2020: “ On Thursday, Governor Sununu issued a “stay at home” order, in which all non-essential businesses were ordered to close, and schools remained closed through May 4. The order may be found here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news-media/emergency-orders/documents/emergency-order-17-ex-a.pdf. Although dental practices are considered “essential” according to this list, dental practices are strongly recommended to remain open only for emergency procedures, per the NHDS and ADA statements to that effect last week.”
New Jersey: April 20
New Jersey Dental Association: March 23, 2020: "As part of the state’s effort to preserve the capacity of the health care system to respond to COVID-19, Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 109, directing the suspension of all elective surgeries and invasive procedures performed on adults that are scheduled to take place after 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 27. The Governor’s Executive Order applies to all medical and dental operations that can be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient, as determined by the patient’s physician or dentist."
https://www.njda.org/news-information/coronavirus-(covid-19)-updates
New Mexico: April 30
New Mexico Dental Association: April 6, 2020: "On Monday, April 6th, Governor Lujan Grisham extended the order limiting dental services to urgent and emergency care from April 10 to April 30. She also placed further restrictions on other essential and non-essential businesses. You can read the order HERE."
https://www.nmdental.org/covid-19-update-and-resource-page
New York: April 29
New York State Dental Association: March 22, 2020: "Governor Cuomo announced he will be issuing an executive order extending his existing mandate directing schools and nonessential businesses stay closed through April 29. He will re-evaluate this at the end of that period. Please note -- the guidelines from the New York State Department of Health continue to remain in effect during this period.
"The New York State Department of Health guidelines define emergency services as urgent dental care, a somewhat more liberal standard as further explained in the American Dental Association guidelines on both emergency and urgent dental care below. The NYSDOH guidelines leave the determination of what is urgent care up to the professional clinical judgment of each dentist individually and makes reference to the American Dental Association (ADA) as a source of information on these clinical judgments."
https://www.nysdental.org/news-publications/novel-coronavirus-(covid-19)
North Carolina: Link to the ADA
North Carolina State Dental Association: "While the NC State Board of Dental Examiners and the ADA have issued recommendations regarding patient care, there is no mandate at this time. As health care professionals, it is up to dentists to use professional judgment and make well-informed decisions about your patients and practices.
https://www.ncdental.org/member-center/covid-19-resources
"While the Dental Society cannot mandate that you close your offices, these recommendations are aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19. We recognize that each practice has its own nuances and those differences are what makes the practice of dentistry so unique. However ,we ask for your cooperation during these uncharged waters. Please, use good judgement in only seeing true emergencies that if not cared for would cause severe harm to the patient or increase the load on local hospitals and emergency centers."
Prep your Waterlines for Postponed Care:
North Dakota: April 30
North Dakota Dental Association: April 15, 2020: "The NDBODE has extended their recommendation of “dental practitioners within the state, to discontinue providing routine, non-essential, and elective procedures through the end of the business day April 30, 2020… During this time all practitioners must continue to provide patients emergency care.” On Monday, April 27, 2020 at 8:00AM CDT, NDBODE will meet to extend, lift or adjust this guidance."
Ohio: POstpone Until further notice
Oklahoma: April 30
Oklahoma Dental Board: April 2, 2020: "Governor Extends Executive Order Until April 30 for All 77 Counties: In the press conference on 4/2/2020, Governor Stitt issued an extended Executive Order. #18 of the Order reads: Oklahomans and medical providers in Oklahoma shall postpone all elective surgeries, minor medical procedures, and non-emergency dental procedures until April 30, 2020. Therefore, Oklahoma dentists should only be seeing patients for emergency / urgent care until that date. Violation is subject to Oklahoma Board of Dentistry enforcement. This may change and could be updated on a day-to-day basis as the news around COVID-19 is rapidly changing.
"Reminder: Treatment is Limited to Emergency and Urgent Care Only – According to the Oklahoma State Dental Act, all dentists are required to follow CDC and OSHA guidelines at all times while practicing dentistry. The CDC has issued specific guidance on the practice of dentistry during the current COVID-19 emergency, specifically limiting the scope of the practice of dentistry to defined emergency and urgent procedures. To protect yourself, your team and your patients, PLEASE follow these guidelines."
Oregon: June 15
Pennsylvania: Until further notice
Pennsylvania Department of Health: "March 26, 2020: With the Governor’s authorization as conferred in the Proclamation of Disaster Emergency issued on March 6, 2020, effective immediately the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) directs facilities to cease all dental treatment except urgent and emergency procedures within the provided guidelines below until further notice. We ask providers who will need to close due to this notice to remain available to speak to patients and triage calls for dental emergencies."
Rhode Island: May 1
Rhode Island Dental Board: March 31, 2020: "Dental providers must maintain adherence to recommendations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services , the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). RIDOH advises providers to cease from performing routine or elective dental services and be available for emergencies only through May 1, 2020. This date is subject to extension based on the latest COVID-19 medical guidance. To determine procedures constituting a dental emergency, Rhode Island dental providers are advised to consult the American Dental Association’s guidance, What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?"
https://us2.campaign-archive.com/?u=ece9b1661b3bf3b864a6894d1&id=ec8b4926a5
South Carolina: April 30
South Carolina Dental Board: March 31, 2020: "Board of Dentistry Recommendation: COVID-19 For the time period of State of Emergency as declared by the Governor of the State of South Carolina, the Board encourages licensees to follow the CDC Division of Oral Health's recommendation, that dental facilities postpone elective procedures, surgeries and non-urgent dental visits. The CDC's recommendation echoes the recommendation made by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Postponing elective and non-urgent dental procedures serves to protect staff and preserve PPE. The urgency and need for dental procedures should be based on clinical judgment and made on a case-by-case basis. The South Carolina Dental Board’s powers are limited by statute to the licensing and discipline of licensees in the dental profession. Accordingly, the Board cannot mandate the closure of dental offices and cannot mandate that licensees and dental offices postpone elective or non-urgent dental procedures. This decision is made by the individual dentist.
https://llr.sc.gov/bod/pdf/Board%20of%20Dentistry%20Recommendation%20-%20COVID-19%20(002).pdf
South Carolina Dental Association: "When can I go back to work? The SCDA Board of Governors met on Thursday, March 26, 2020. We have continued to monitor the COVID-19 crisis from all angles relevant to dentistry. Based on what we know today, the data and events indicate that the March 30th date to return to practice is unrealistic. Our country has caught up with the state dental associations who led the way with caution when this all started. Now we need to let the scientists and public health experts do their jobs. Please note that the SCDA Executive Board meets daily and the full Board is meeting regularly to discuss all issues during these difficult times. We will look for information regarding innovations that will mitigate the risk of exposure to us, our employees and patients . We will inform you when the national experts determine it is safe to return to our practices. At this time, the SCDA continues to urge dentists to only treat emergency patients."
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/SCDA-Update-on-COVID-19.html?soid=1102444973108&aid=VPVWIvPlrnM
South Dakota: May 2
South Dakota Dental Board: "The ADA has extended the date for its guidance to April 30, 2020. The guidance is to postpone elective procedures and provide care for emergency patients in order to alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments. Please use the attached algorithm flow chart to help determine cases that are urgent and emergent. Additionally, Governor Noem has issued an Executive Order, in effect until May 2, 2020, that healthcare providers follow CDC guidance and prepare for the expected surge of patients needing health care services as a result of the COVID-19 disease. The CDC recommendations are that dental facilities postpone elective procedures, surgeries, and non-urgent dental visits, and prioritize urgent and emergency visits and procedures now and for the coming several weeks."
Tennessee: April 30
State of Tennessee Executive Order: April 8, 2020: "WHEREAS, the American Dental Association and the Tennessee Dental Association recommend that dental providers and patients contribute to reducing the spread of COVID-19 by suspending non-essential services like hygiene visits and cosmetic and elective procedures for a minimum of three (3) weeks;
"NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Lee, Governor of the State of Tennessee, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Tennessee Constitution and other applicable law, in light of the continuing state of emergency to facilitate the response to COVID-19, do hereby order the following statewide: 1. Dental service providers in the State of Tennessee, including but not limited to dentists, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists, shall not perform any non-emergency dental or oral procedures. Non-emergency dental or oral procedures include hygiene visits, cosmetic procedures, and other elective procedures. Emergency procedures for patients with acute dental or oral needs may still be performed, including treatment for pain, swelling, trauma, or an abscess."
https://www.tndentalassociation.com/member-center/COVID-19
Texas: April 21
The Texas Dental Association: "The Texas Dental Association (TDA) is aware that dentists have questions about Governor Gregg Abbott’s new executive order from March 22, 2020 at 3:00 PM. TDA confirmed with Governor Abbott that the executive order applies to dentists. As it pertains to dentistry, Governor Abbott’s order requires dentists to delay until midnight April 21, 2020,… “all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary to preserve a patient’s life or avoid adverse medical consequences.”
https://www.tda.org/COVID19-Resources
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Utah: April 25
Utah Dental Association: "To ensure the safety of our patients, communities and dental team members, UDA recommends following the measures outlined by the ADA announcement on March 16th and the CDC recommendations (see links below) postponing elective treatment and concentrating on only urgent (or emergent) dental care."
KSLTV: "Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday announced Utah will begin restricting non-urgent medical procedures in an effort to preserve personal protective equipment for the treatment of COVID-19. The restrictions will begin Wednesday and will include elective medical, dental and veterinary procedures, according to a statement from the Office of the Governor. It will remain in place until April 25."
Vermont: May 15
Vermont Department of Health: April 10, 2020: "On Friday, April 10, Governor Phil Scott extended Vermont’s State of Emergency through May 15. All measures, including the Stay Home, Stay Safe order are now in effect until midnight on May 15 (note: schools remain dismissed for in-person instruction through the end of the school year). Read the press release."
https://www.healthvermont.gov/sites/default/files/documents/pdf/Covid-19-Daily-Update.pdf
Office of Governor Phil Scott: April 10, 2020: "Since declaring a State of Emergency in mid-March, the Governor has directed a number of strategies to slow the spread of COVID-19, including visitor restrictions for long-term care and other health facilities; the closure of bars and restaurants, schools and day care centers and close contact businesses; limiting the size of mass gatherings; postponing all non-essential medical procedures; issuing a Stay Home, Stay Safe order; closing in-person operations for most businesses; implementing travel restrictions and a 14-day quarantine for those entering Vermont from other states; and more."
https://governor.vermont.gov/press-release/governor-phil-scott-extends-state-emergency-vermont
Virginia: April 24
Virginia Dental Association: "Duration and Effect: This Order is effective March 25, 2020 and is in effect until April 24, 2020. The Order may be extended or renewed as the April 24 date approaches, depending on the COVID-19 status. Any patients you have elective procedures scheduled for during this time should be rescheduled. The recent recommendation made by the VDA Board of Directors on practice closures due to COVID-19 was voluntary and did not carry the force of law. The Order is mandatory. This Order carries the effect of law. You must follow it."
Washington: May 18
Washington State Dental Association: On March 19, Gov. Jay Inslee announced new restrictions on non-urgent medical and dental procedures so the state can make sure Washington health care workers have enough protective equipment to wear as they work the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The order applies to any non-urgent procedure that requires medical professionals to wear personal protective equipment."
https://www.wsda.org/member-center/covid-19
West Virginia: Until Further Notice
West Virginia Dental Board: April 3, 2020: "On March 26, 2020, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources issued a set of written directives regarding the provision of healthcare services, including dental care, during the State of Emergency. DHHR expressly directed that “all non-emergent, non-urgent in-person medical, surgical, dental, and any other health care practice or procedure must have immediately ceased effective at 8 p.m. March 24, 2020.” DHHR provided guidelines for healthcare practitioners to use in determining what is emergent, urgent, or non-urgent, and urged the use of telemedicine services where clinically possible. As stated in the DHHR directive, you are to exercise your best clinical judgment in implementing the restrictions on practice.
"On March 31, 2020, the Governor issued his Executive Order No. 16-20. Effective as of 12:00 a.m., April 1, 2020, “all elective medical procedures” are prohibited in “hospitals, offices, and clinics” throughout the State of West Virginia. A copy of this Order can be accessed by clicking the following link: https://governor.wv.gov/Documents/EO%2016-20electiveprocedures.pdf YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REVIEW THESE DOCUMENTS IN THEIR ENTIRETY. Any questions regarding the contents of the documents should be directed to the Governor’s Office or DHHR, accordingly. Do NOT contact the Board office seeking guidance on how to exercise your own professional judgment in complying with the Governor’s Orders. THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDERS ARE EFFECTIVE UNTIL TERMINATION BY SUBSEQUENT ORDER. BE ADVISED: Should the Board receive complaints against licensees alleging violations of the Governor’s Executive Orders or the Directives of DHHR during the State of Emergency, those licensees may be charged with unprofessional conduct or other charges per the WV Dental Practice Act and rules of the Board. If found guilty, a licensee could face significant penalties, up to and including suspension or revocation of license. W. Va. Code § 30-4-19."
Prep your Waterlines for Postponed Care:
Wisconsin: April 24
Wisconsin Dental Association: April 17, 2020 – "WDA Board of Trustees recommends that dental offices proceed cautiously in wake of extended “Safer at Home” order. The WDA Board of Trustees met via teleconference on Friday, April 17, and determined, based on legal review by the association’s general counsel and in consultation with the state Department of Health Services, that Wisconsin dental offices should continue to suspend non-emergency procedures unless they can fully comply with state and federal guidance to help ensure the safety and well-being of patients, staff, themselves and their communities. While the extended “Safer at Home” order does not legally prevent Wisconsin dental offices from resuming elective procedures, the Board urges Wisconsin dentists to proceed with extreme caution amid a worldwide shortage of PPE and continued unknowns about how the COVID-19 virus is transmitted. Wisconsin dentists are advised to do the following when considering whether to resume elective care:
- Review this legal opinion, including best safety practices for essential businesses, by WDA General Counsel Steve Battenberg of Carlson Black O’Callaghan & Battenberg LLP in Madison.
- Comply with all requirements for essential businesses outlined in Emergency Order #28. (The state has also produced an FAQ document with more information.)
- Follow all CDC guidelines, including Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response.
- Follow all ADA guidance, including the ADA Interim Guidance on How to Minimize Risk of Transmission and other information available at ADA.org/virus. (Please note the ADA’s newly formed Advisory Task Force on Dental Practice Recovery is expected to make its recommendations to the ADA Board of Trustees by the end of the month; we will share that updated information when it is available.)
- Follow all guidance from the state Department of Health Services, including memo 2020-14 for dental health care professionals
- Comply with OSHA regulations and guidance (see the OSHA COVID-19 resource page)
- Consult with your professional liability/malpractice insurance carrier
- Consult with your attorney
Wisconsin Dental Association: March 24, 2020 – "Healthcare workers, including dentists and members of the dental team, are considered “essential” under the state “Safer at Home” order in place until Friday, April 24. The order is NOT a mandate to close dental offices – dental professionals remain available to provide emergency care to the public. That said, the order does supersede previously issued ADA and WDA recommended timelines for suspending non-emergency procedures. Wisconsin dental offices should continue limiting services to emergency treatment through April 24, unless the order is rescinded or changed. Read the order."
Wyoming: Until Further Notice
Wyoming Dental Association: April 3, 2020: "The Board of Dental Examiners wishes to remind all dental and dental hygiene licensees that the CDC and CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services) guidelines are in effect for the next several weeks. The vast majority of practitioners are following the CDC and CMS guidelines. Thank you all for your commitment and collective effort to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus.
"To the few practitioners who have not, the board highly recommends that you follow the guidelines of the CDC and CMS. The ADA recommends the same. Traditional dental personal protective equipment (PPE) is directed at mitigating transmission of blood borne pathogens, not airborne pathogens like the Coronavirus. As healthcare professionals at the highest end of the risk spectrum, it is your responsibility to make informed decisions based on the information you have available.
"As the situation evolves, please stay informed and continue to take proper precautions to protect yourself and others from the spread of the Coronavirus to keep our dentists, staff, and patients healthy so that everyone can return to work as soon as it is safe to do so.
https://dental.wyo.gov/about/covid
CMS Adult Elective Surgery and Procedures Recommendations: "Limit all non-essential planned surgeries and procedures, including dental, until further notice"
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