The ADA News (6/19, Burger) reports that the ADA is advising that it is “still important to wait before disinfecting patient treatment rooms after aerosol-generating procedures, even though the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently removed a recommendation calling for a 15-minute waiting period” in its Guidance for Dental Settings. “The safety of patients, dentists and dental team members has been and always will be ADA’s utmost concern,” said ADA President Chad P. Gehani. Dr. Kirk Norbo, co-chair of the ADA’s Task Force on Dental Practice Recovery agreed, stating, “While there is no strong evidence that supports a one-size-fits-all 15-minute waiting period recommendation, it’s still very important to allow some time for aerosol droplets to settle prior to disinfection of the room to reduce the potential for virus transmission. How much wait time is needed before disinfecting patient treatment rooms is dependent on a number of variables based on the individual practice setting.”

For more information and resources on COVID-19, visit the ADA’s Coronavirus Center at ADA.org/virus.