In response to the workforce shortage issues in the dental profession, the IDA has created an online Workforce Toolkit with resources for dentists in finding and retaining hygienists, assistants and office staff. We will add to the toolkit as new resources become available. Click here to view the toolkit.

State and federal guidelines regarding masking and other COVID-19 precautions have been relaxed in recent weeks in light of the greatly reduced number of COVID infections and hospitalizations. In Indiana alone, daily infections have dropped by about 97 percent from their peak two months ago, and hospitalizations are down about 85 percent from their peak in late January.

This week the IDA consulted with the Indiana State Board of Health to verify that state recommendations mirror recent changes from the CDC. The ISDH confirmed that while enhanced infection control measures are still in place in treatment areas, dentists may use their professional judgment regarding masking in the office’s public areas such as the reception room. More details are outlined below.

Screening of Patients
While never explicitly required by law, activities such as temperature checks to screen patients for COVID are now considered optional and at the dentist’s discretion. Patients who feel ill for any reason should be encouraged to reschedule routine procedures.

Masking in Non-Treatment Areas
As with pre-screening guidelines, the masking policy for non-treatment areas of your office is at your discretion as a dentist. This policy applies to both patients and staff who are working outside of treatment rooms in your facility.

PPE in Treatment Rooms
One guideline that has of course not changed is the PPE requirement for clinical staff in treatment rooms. Dentists, hygienists and assistants should continue to wear appropriate PPE in treatment areas. Anyone other than the patient in a treatment room (for example, the parent of a young child or an interpreter) should also wear a mask.

Reviewing Community Levels of Transmission
You may find it helpful to use your county’s current COVID infection rate to determine your office’s procedures on patient screenings and masks. Both the CDC and the ISDH report COVID levels on a county-wide basis, though the two calculate and update these levels somewhat differently. Links to both websites are below:

• ISDH COVID Dashboard and Map
• CDC COVID Community Levels

On February 25 the CDC revised its mask recommendations, indicating that indoor masks are no longer necessary for most individuals in areas with low COVID-19 community levels. The ADA has issued new resource for members to help dental practices make informed decisions with regard to these new recommendations. Click here to learn more and to download PDF mask resources. An ADA member login is required to view the PDF resources.

Healthcare settings, including dental offices, should use community transmission rates as a guide to infection control procedures, including mask requirements for patients and other members of the public. However, note that OSHA mask requirements for facilities such as hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers remain in effect regardless of community transmission rates. In addition, OSHA recommendations for health care professionals have not changed. The CDC recommendations apply to members of the general public only.

A basic summary of the CDC’s new recommendations is as follows:

Low COVID-19 Community Level: Masks are not required but can be worn based on personal preference or level of risk.

Medium COVID-19 Community Level : If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe illness, consult with your healthcare provider about strategies to lower your risk of transmission, including wearing a mask. Consider testing yourself and wearing a mask indoors if you live with or are visiting a loved one at high risk for severe illness.

High COVID-19 Community Level: Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public settings, regardless of vaccination status or individual risk. Individuals who are immunocompromised or at risk for severe illness should wear a mask or respirator that provides greater protection.

Currently the CDC has designed most of Indiana in the Low and Medium category, with pockets of High transmission. Obviously these levels are expected to change quickly and frequently. To find your county’s current designation, visit the CDC website.