Covid 19

Updated: March 3, 2021

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On May 6, Governor Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health issued new orders that allow dental practices to resume elective procedures effective 7 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. All providers must adhere to the Maryland Department of Health's orders before reopening. The Department of Health outlines all of the requirements, including many of the procedures that are currently in place for emergency procedures - proper hand and cough hygiene, social distancing, and especially proper PPE. The regulations are rigorous to ensure that the safety of the dental team, patient, and community remains paramount. The MSDA will continue to share information as new developments arise.

MSDA Email Correspondences

Click the links below to view previous email updates regarding COVID-19. If you are interested in receiving important updates through email and are not already receiving these emails, please click here to join the MSDA email list.

MD Department of Health Orders

On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, the Maryland Department of Health released an "Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters". In section five, part B of the order, the Maryland Department of Health addresses the resumption of elective and non-urgent medical procedures for all healthcare practitioners. The statement reads:

“All licensed healthcare facilities and healthcare providers may resume elective and non-urgent medical procedures and appointments at 7:00 A.M., May 7, 2020 provided all of the following measures are in place."

You can see the required measures as outlined in the original document by clicking here.

MSDA Official Statement

May 6, 2020

On May 6, Governor Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health issued new orders that allow dental practices to resume elective procedures effective 7 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. All providers must adhere to the Maryland Department of Health's orders before reopening. The Department of Health outlines all of the requirements, including many of the procedures that are currently in place for emergency procedures - proper hand and cough hygiene, social distancing, and especially proper PPE. The regulations are rigorous to ensure that the safety of the dental team, patient, and community remains paramount. The MSDA will continue to share information as new developments arise.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation, provide updates and statements as the situation evolves. Check our Facebook for updates.

COronavirus resources

  1. ADA Resources (ADA.org/VIRUS)

  2. MSDA Resources (MSDA.com/COVID-19.php)

  3. Maryland State Resources (coronavirus.maryland.gov)

  4. National and International Resources (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus)

Maryland Vaccine Distribution Details

Updated: January 22, 2021

Allegany County                    
Vaccinations are scheduled for Jan. 5-15. If you have not been contacted, please contact the local health department at 301.759.5012.          
 
Anne Arundel County           
Health care providers can pre-register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdg8lMlMTynhhgir2CoAK6tlqRVcXZBL9n9Lwwln0l7_sjNIw/viewform. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department at 410.222.7375.
 
Baltimore City
City officials have asked MSBDE for dentist contact information and expect preregistration to begin in the next week or two. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the city health department at 410.396.4387.
 
Baltimore County      
County officials have asked dentists to fill out the following registration form: https://providerregistry.baltimorecountymd.gov/. Dentists have begun receiving vaccinations this week. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department at: 410.887.2773.
 
Calvert County           
All dental teams should have been contacted and many vaccinations have been completed or scheduled. If you have not been contacted, please contact the local health department at: 410.535.5400.
 
Caroline County        
All dental teams have been contacted and many vaccinations have been completed or scheduled. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department at: 410.479.8030.
 
Carroll County           
Providers can alert the county to their wish to be vaccinated by completing this form:   https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0W7DwYcfO6iiaqlXABqhNCT9mBZqLHIwf1_x1AblbMlToYw/viewform. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department 410.876.4974.
 
Cecil County  
Vaccinations of dental teams have begun. Providers can register here: https://forms.gle/9WJ5ionhZrGTP3VB7. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department at 410.996.5115.
 
Charles County          
Dental teams are expected to be contacted in the next week to begin registering and notified of the process. If you have not been contacted, please call the county health department at 301.609.6901.
 
Dorchester County    
All dental teams have been contacted and many vaccinations have been scheduled or completed. If you have not been contacted, please reach out to the county health department at 410.228.3223.
 
Frederick County      
The county has begun sending information to dentists to schedule a vaccination. Please complete the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HNK53YQ. There is a regular email/fax with the latest information that is distributed by the health department. To receive that information, please call 301-600-7430 and leave a message with your practice name and email or fax number. 
 
Garrett County           
All dental teams have been contacted and most vaccinations have been completed. If you have not been contacted and would like to receive a vaccination, please contact the local health department at 301.334.7777.
 
Harford County         
Dental teams have begun to be notified of upcoming clinics. The county has set up an email list for information. If you are not receiving COVID vaccination information, email debra.meredith@maryland.gov and provide the name of facility, facility address, and a contact person’s phone number and email. If you have not been contacted, please reach out to the county health department at 410.877.1010.
 
Howard County         
Vaccinations have begun of dental teams. Practitioners should register at this portal: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/COVID_Vaccine1_MedFacilities. If you have questions or were not contacted, please call the county health department at 410.313.6363.
 
Kent County   
Kent County officials have not responded to multiple contacts. Please contact the health department: 410.778.2409.
                                                   
Montgomery County
A registration portal has been set up at this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCDHHSProviderVaccineSurvey. If you have not been contacted by the health department, please reach out to them at 240.777.1741.
 
Prince George's County        
County officials have asked health care provider to complete a pre-registration form: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/FormCenter/Health-13/Prince-Georges-County-Health-Care-Provid-157. Vaccinations are expected to begin in the next week or two. If you have questions, please contact the county health department at 301-883-7834.
                    
Queen Anne's County           
Most dental teams have been contacted and vaccinations scheduled or completed. Dentists continue to be contacted to schedule vaccinations. If you have not been contacted, please alert the county health department at 410.758.2281 x349.
 
Somerset County       
Most dental teams have been contacted and have been scheduled or vaccinations completed. If you have not been contacted, please alert the county health department at 410.543.6976.
 
St. Mary's County      
Dentists have been contacted and vaccinations have begun. If you have not been contacted, please call the county health department at 301.475.4330.
 
Talbot County           
Dentists are currently being contacted to begin scheduling process to receive the vaccine. If you have not been contacted, please alert the county health department at 410.819.5608.
 
Washington County  
Dental teams have been contacted and most have been scheduled or received their vaccination. If you have not been contacted, please alert the county health department at 240.313.3260.
 
Wicomico County     
Dentists are currently being contacted to schedule vaccination times. If you have not been contacted, please alert the county health department at 410.543.6976.
 
Worcester County      
Dentists are being contacted and vaccinations have begun. If you have not been contacted, please reach out to the county health department at 410.632.1100 x1209.

PPE Resources List

Updated: November 2, 2020

N95 Masks (NIOSH Approved) 

KN95 Masks

  • White Oak Orthodontics
    • Contact: Pat Heslop
    • Phone Number: 877-700-9667 or 717-224-8532

Hand Sanitizer, Cleaners, & Disinfectants

Dental Face Shields

General PPE Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: May 6, 2020 (updated information in red)

  1. When will dental practices be able to reopen?
    On May 6, Governor Hogan and the Maryland Department of Health issued new orders that allow dental practices to resume elective procedures effective 7 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020. All providers must adhere to the Maryland Department of Health's orders before reopening. The Department of Health outlines all of the requirements, including many of the procedures that are currently in place for emergency procedures - proper hand and cough hygiene, social distancing, and especially proper PPE. The regulations are rigorous to ensure that the safety of the dental team, patient, and community remains paramount. The MSDA will continue to share information as new developments arise.

  2. What personal protective equipment (PPE) should we be using?
    On April 27, 2020, the CDC released updated guidelines and recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Each member of the dental team should follow standard infection control procedures including mask, gloves, face shield, head cover, and disposable apron. All PPE should be changed between each patient. Practices are encouraged to have each patient rinse with a 1% Hydrogen Peroxide solution (1 part 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 2 parts water). Enhanced screening procedures are also recommended to include asking patients about recent travel, current health, and taking temperatures before beginning treatment.
    The coronavirus is transmitted as an aerosol. Procedures that produce aerosols in the office should be minimized and not conducted without additional protection and barriers like a rubber dam and high-speed evacuator. In addition, any operatory where a procedure is conducted that utilized a drill or produce aerosols should not be used for 30 minutes to allow the aerosols to settle before cleaning. Delivery of crowns and dentures are okay as are any surgical procedures not involving a handpiece as long as proper PPE is used, including, at minimum, a level 3 mask.
    Practices that are seeing patients should regularly clean common area surfaces including: countertops, handles, railings, etc. and configure waiting rooms to accommodate the CDC recommended spacing of 6 feet.

  3. What if we need more PPE and are unable to find it?
    The demand for PPE is high, and will be for some time, as production tries to catch up with the demand. This is also creating a dramatic increase in pricing. The MSDA is actively working behind the scenes to find vendors and suppliers that can help fulfill and sustain your PPE needs. The MSDA Member Perks program has vetted and partnered with Atlanta Dental Supply and The Dentist Supply Company (TDSC) to be its preferred dental supply resources. We encourage you to reach out to either of these companies as well as your regular dental supply company to see their inventory. In addition, the MSDA is working at creating a list of additional vendors as a resource to meet your N95 and PPE needs. As we find suitable companies, we will be adding them to a contact list here.

    The ADA has reported that some dental insurance companies are starting to reimburse for infection control. For now, the ADA recommends using billing code D1999.

  4. How long with the coronavirus pandemic last?
    The coronavirus is currently a very fluid situation with new developments occurring daily. The current recommendations of the MSDA and ADA are to postpone non-emergency procedures for the next three weeks. However, there is no way to know when this will end. Practices should consider contingency plans if this lasts longer. The MSDA will continue to actively review and assess the situation and provide updates as necessary.

  5. Can dentists administer COIVID-19 tests and future vaccinations?
    On April 20th, the MSDA Board of Trustees unanimously passed interim policy that would support the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners petition to Governor Hogan that during this pandemic, COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, when available, be classified within the scope of practice of dentistry.
     
    The ADA sites that there are currently no approved COVID-19 tests for a dental practice. The ADA has published Guidelines for COVID-19 Testing.

More News and Updates

To see more updates and news reports about COVID-19 and how it is affecting the dental community like and follow the MSDA on Facebook.
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