Covid 19

Updated: May 19, 2020

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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)

PPE Resources List

Updated: May 6, 2020

N95 Masks (NIOSH Approved) 

KN95 Masks

Hand Sanitizer

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

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