Although point-of-care tests are not yet readily available for practice use, the California Dental Association is advocating for dentists to have testing capabilities.
The CDA wants dentists to have priority access to state test stockpiles as essential providers, reasonable reimbursement and regulatory authority to perform tests through California Department of Public Health licensure.
The American Dental Association released a COVID-19 testing toolkit designed to help dentists understand what is required to offer tests and explain the process of applying for required federal certification.
To assist members, CDA will release additional, state-specific testing guidance next month. In California, COVID-19 testing as a screening tool is within the scope of practice for dentists, but the test must first be approved by the FDA.