The ADA News (6/2, Burger) reports that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued on May 19 “updated interim infection prevention and control guidance for dental settings during the COVID-19 response,” which echoes the ADA’s “science-based guidance issued earlier in May.” The article reports that “the ADA welcomed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance,” which closely aligns with the ADA’s Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit. “The guidance from the ADA and the CDC give dental professionals the information they need to practice as safely as possible,” said ADA President Chad P. Gehani. “I am pleased to see dental practices reopening to provide patients with the dental care they need. The safety of patients, dentists and dental team members has been and always will be ADA’s utmost concern.” The article outlines the CDC and ADA recommendations.

The ADA had urged the CDC to “quickly provide guidance” on how to safely reopen dental practices during the deceleration phase of the COVID-19 outbreak in a May 6 letter to CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD