| Sacramento, Calif. — The California Dental Association applauds the California Department of Public Health’s order directing all dental practices in California to suspend dental care with the exception of emergencies. CDA strongly advocated for the state to provide clear and specific guidance for dental professionals and the public regarding protocols that align with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These federal recommendations indicate that all in-person medical and dental services be limited to only those that are essential at this time. Until further notice, to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, dentists should be providing only emergency dental care.
CDA urged dental practices last month to suspend all dental care with the exception of emergencies to disrupt the spread of the virus and to preserve critical health care workers’ personal protective equipment, which is currently in extremely short supply. “As health care professionals, dentists can help ‘flatten the curve’ of COVID-19 by following sound, scientific public health advice to help limit community transmission and slow the spread of infection,” said CDA President Richard Nagy, DDS. “While dental practices are closed for routine care, it’s important for patients to know that they should contact their provider if they experience dental pain or infection.” Under the CDPH guidance, dentists are directed to postpone routine procedures, surgeries and nonurgent dental visits and direct patients to call their offices for guidance if they feel they have a dental emergency. Dentists may only perform procedures that are needed to treat emergencies such as cellulitis, severe pain and trauma. Additionally, the order calls for the screening of patients for COVID-19 and outlines steps, including protective equipment protocols, that should be taken to provide care for patients at this time. Public service announcements created by CDA advise people with dental emergencies to discuss symptoms with their dentist to determine if treatment is needed right away or whether the patient can manage their condition at home. CDA recommends people who lack access to dental care to contact the local dental society in their area for a referral to a dentist or facility that can triage their symptoms and, if necessary, provide emergency care. The goal of these steps is to reduce the number of people who go to emergency rooms seeking care for their dental pain and infection. CDA also encourages Californians to brush two minutes, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. In addition, sugary food and drinks should be avoided to reduce the risk of cavities. The pause in routine dental appointments supports shelter-at-home policies that help prevent the spread of COVID-19. When conditions change, dentists will again be available to help Californians maintain their oral health through regular preventive and treatment services. Dentists who have questions about what to do next following this announcement may get the latest information and support at cda.org/covid19 or by contacting CDA Practice Support at 800.232.7645. About the California Dental Association
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