Covid 19
Updated: March 3, 2021
NOTE: Due to the large amount of information on this page it may be easier to find a specific topic by holding down "CTRL" + "F" and typing in the specific keyword or topic you are searching for.
Skip to the following section:
- MSDA Email Correspondences
- Maryland Department of Health Orders
- MSDA Official Statement
- Coronavirus Resources
- Maryland Vaccine Distribution Details
- PPE Resources List
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- More News and Updates
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.
- January 7, 2021
- December 17, 2020
- December 15, 2020
- October 10, 2020
- June 2, 2020
- May 29, 2020
- May 19, 2020
- May 6, 2020
- April 30, 2020
- April 25, 2020
- April 23, 2020
- April 2, 2020
- March 31, 2020
- March 26, 2020
- March 24, 2020
- March 23, 2020
- March 19, 2020
- March 16, 2020
- March 13, 2020
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
-
ADA Resources (ADA.org/VIRUS)
- Preparing Dental Workplaces for COVID-19
- Interim Guidelines for Management of Emergency and Urgent Dental Care
- Emergency Procedures Guide for Dentists
- ADA Code of Ethics among COVID-19
- Guidance for Minimizing Risk of COVID-19 Transmission
- Template Letter to Patients Regarding COVID-19
- COVID-19 Teledentistry and Coding and Billing Guidance
- OSHA Guidance Summary: Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
- The Role of Aerosol on the Transmission of Coronavirus and the Impact in Dentistry (Recorded Webinar)
- COVID-19 Hazard Assessment Guidelines & Checklist
- Masks and Face Shields
- SBA Loans/CARES Act Information
- Additional ADA Resources
- ADA COVID-19 Resources for Dentists
- Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
- Summary of ADA Guidance During the COVID-19 Crisis
- ADA’s Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit
- ADA's COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit (3/4/21)
- Resources for Patients
- Emergency Procedures Guide for Patients
- Information on Infection Control Procedures in the Dental Office for Patients
- ADA News Updates
- COVID-19 Digital Events and Webinars (updated regularly)
- ADA Coronavirus Lobbying Efforts (updated regularly)
- Interim Guidance as States Consider Reopening (4/18/20)
- Avoiding "Gray Market" COVID-19 Tests (4/17/20)
- Department of Labor Update (4/1/20)
-
MSDA Resources (MSDA.com/COVID-19.php)
- COVID-19 Webinar Materials
- Asset Protection in the Current Economy Recorded Webinar
- Employment Issues Surrounding the COVID-19 Pandemic Slides
- COVID-19 Insurance Q&A
- How to Tell a Real Mask from a Counterfeit Mask Slides
- Employment Law Issues Regarding Reopening Dental Practices Amid COVID-19 Recorded Webinar
- COVID-19 Updates and Vaccine Development Webinar
- COVID-19 and Continuing Employment Law Issues Webinar (1/29/21)
- PPP2 Loans and Other COVID Related Government Support Programs Webinar (1/29/21)
- Teledentistry: Clinical and Practical Applications During the COVID Pandemic Resources and Materials
- Additional MSDA Resources
-
Maryland State Resources (coronavirus.maryland.gov)
- Maryland Department of Health
- Coronavirus Disease Updates
- Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters (3/23/20)
- Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters (5/6/20)
- Emergency Medical Material (PPE) Request Form
- Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners
- Pandemic CE Policy
- Telehealth Law Bulletin
- COVID-19 Statement
- Amended Directive and Order Regarding Various Healthcare Matters (5/6/20)
- Certificate of Compliance Template
- COVID-19 Specimen Collection (8/6/20)
- Maryland Department of Labor
- COVID-19 Layoff Aversion Fund
- COVID-19 Unemployment Insurance FAQs
- Maryland Unemployment
- CARES Act FAQs
- Filing Weekly Claim Certifications FAQs
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits for Self-Employed and Contract Based Individuals (Launched 4/24/20)
- BEACON Application Update (5/14/20)
- The Office of Governor Larry Hogan
- The Hogan Administration's COVID-19 Response
- Maryland Unites: Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Maryland Strong: Roadmap to Recovery
- Additional State Resources
- Maryland Department of Commerce COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Program for Business
- Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development: Maryland Business Express
- State and Federal Tax Filing Extensions
- Governor of Maryland
- Maryland State Medical Society
- Confidential Counseling for Dental Hygienists
- Local Emergency Management Agency Contact List to Request PPE
- Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MRMRC) COVID-19 Vaccine Volunteer Registration
-
National and International Resources (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus)
- Center for Disease Control (CDC)
- Coronavirus Information
- CDC Updated Guidelines and Recommendations
- CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings
- PPE Suggested Sequence
- COVID-19 Vaccine Training Modules
- Additional National and International Resources
- The World Health Organization (WHO) – Coronavirus
- The New York Times: Opening Up America Again Guidelines
- COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan Application
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- CareFirst Temporary Advanced Funding Requests
- OSHA N95 Respirator Fit Test Video
- American Heart Association's Interim Guidance on Card Extensions (7/23/20)
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)
- Safco Dental Supply
- Website: www.safcodental.com
- Matthews Construction and Design
- Website: www.mcn95.com
- FDA Authorized Non-NIOSH Approved Respirators List
- Document: www.fda.gov/media/136663/download
KN95 Masks
- White Oak Orthodontics
- Contact: Pat Heslop
- Phone Number: 877-700-9667 or 717-224-8532
Hand Sanitizer, Cleaners, & Disinfectants
- Lost Ark Distilling Co. [Hand Sanitizer]
- Website: www.lostarkdistilling.com
- Disinfexol [Cleaner & Disinfectant]
- Website: disinfexol.com
Dental Face Shields
- C2 Imaging
- Contact: Amanda Davenport
- Email: amanda.davenport@C2Imaging.com
- Phone Number: 609-273-4375
General PPE Resources
- Maryland Department of Health Office of Preparedness & Response
- The Dentist Supply Company
- Website: www.tdsc.com/maryland
- Phone Number: 888-253-1223
- DC Dental
- Website: www.dcdental.com
- Phone Number: 877-653-7500
- Matthews Construction and Design
- Website: www.mcn95.com
- SourceLine Medical Supply
- Website: www.sourcelinemedical.com
- Phone Number: 855-918-2784
- Maryland Manufacturing Network
- Website: marylandmanufacturingnetwork.com
- Phone Number: 443-343-0085
- Holistic Dental Products
- Website: www.holisticdentalproducts.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: May 6, 2020 (updated information in red)
- 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. - 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. - 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 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. - 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. - 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.
NOTE: MSDA updates will not appear on your Facebook news feed unless you click the "Follow" button next to the "Like" button here. Hover over the "Follow" button to choose if you want to see MSDA updates first.