ABC News (5/22, Siegel) reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance, which “lays out public health and safety recommendations that allow for non-emergency dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.” ABC News reported that across the US, “thousands of dentists are carefully transitioning to full-time work, with the help of safety and public relations advice from the American Dental Association.” Dr. Kirk Norbo, a Virginia dentist who helped write the ADA reopening recommendations, said, “We’re doing everything we can do to provide a safe environment, not only for our staff, but for the patients when they show up.” The article stated that the new CDC guidance comes as dentists face “a unique set of new safety challenges” and concerns from some hygienists that reopening is premature. As of Friday, officials with the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) “recommended delaying non-urgent dental cases ‘until further notice,’ though the group said it is reviewing its position in light of the updated CDC guidance.”

CBS News (5/22) reported that the CDC is “no longer recommending that non-emergency dental care be postponed.” Still, CBS News reported that “it’s not exactly business as usual,” pointing to new safeguards in place to help minimize the risk of virus transmission.

The ADA sent a May 6 letter to the CDC urging the agency to “quickly provide guidance” on how to safely reopen dental practices during the deceleration phase of the COVID-19 outbreak.