Starting April 3, face masks will be optional for patients, visitors and workers not performing clinical cases in California healthcare settings, including dental offices, according to the California Dental Association.
Three things dentists should know:
1. Dental offices in California should share details about mask guidances to employees and patients. They can still say masks are "strongly recommended" when there's a high level of community spread of COVID-19.
2. Signage saying masks are required should be removed from patient waiting areas and practice websites starting April
3. Dentists still have to wear masks when performing procedures. N95 masks need to be worn for aerosol-generating procedures.