Some dental professionals are voicing concern over Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts' reopening plan, which will allow dentists, optometrists and elective surgeries to return May 4, according to KETV.
CMS shared recommendations April 19 on restarting essential healthcare services for areas with low or stable levels of COVID-19. While dentists in Nebraska can currently perform emergency procedures, the order would allow elective work and checkups to begin again.
Dental providers are at high risk for contracting the virus, Tammy Dugan, a registered dental hygienist in Omaha, Neb., told KETV.
"There are hygienists that are definitely afraid of coming back," Ms. Dugan said, adding that the office she works for doesn't have access to N95 masks. Patient safety is also a concern, as dental tools can spread the virus in the air.
"The president has recommended that phase one not start until there has been a decline for a total of two weeks, and we're not even there yet," Ms. Dugan said, referring to guidelines released by the White House April 16.
Omaha-based dentist Richard Manning, DDS, said his office will be screening patients and performing temperature checks. Clients will wait for their appointment in the car, and exam rooms will be cleaned between patients.
Mr. Ricketts said he has faith that dental professionals will come up with new best practices because they "are in the healthcare industry — this is kind of their expertise," according to KETV.