The CDC’s guidance includes an updated description on risk to dental health care personal when providing emergency care at this time. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released a number of updates to its guidance for dental practices. 

In the revisions to the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During COVID-19 Response, the CDC updated its description of risk to dental health care personnel (DHCP) when providing emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recommendations for contacting patients prior to emergency dental care and for providing emergency dental care to non-COVID-19 patients including engineering controls, work practices, and infection control considerations. In addition, the updated information includes guidance on potential exposure and contingency and crisis planning. 

The CDC points out that DHCP should regularly consult their state dental boards or other regulating agencies for requirements on their jurisdictions for the most up-to-date information. 

To read the full updated CDC guidance, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/dental-settings.html