The American Dental Association has asked the CDC to provide guidance on how to safely reopen dental practices during the deceleration phase of the pandemic.
In a May 6 letter, ADA President Chad Gehani, DDS, and ADA Executive Director Kathleen O'Loughlin, DMD, applauded the CDC's current interim guidance reinforcing the ADA's own recommendation to postpone nonemergency dental visits.
The CDC guidance is appropriate for areas where COVID-19 infection rates are still accelerating or peaking, the letter continues. However, the ADA believes dentists in areas where infection rates are declining need revised guidelines recognizing a risk-based approach. The ADA asked the CDC to address protecting dental professionals returning to work.