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Pennsylvania Dental Association Responds to Revised DOH Guidelines
HARRISBURG – After consultation with leaders in organized dentistry , the Pennsylvania Department of Health has released updated guidelines for dental practices in Pennsylvania . The newly released document (
REVISED Guidance on COVID-19 for Dental Health Care Personnel in Pennsylvania ) replaces the Guidance on COVID-19 for Dental Health Care Personnel in Pennsylvania issued on March 22 , and these updated guidelines are effective immediately .
“ We compliment the Policy Office of the Department of Health as well as the Governor ’ s office for having engaged organized dentistry , especially the Pennsylvania Dental Association , in revising the regulations from the March 22 document and listening to our concerns ,” said Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA president . “ Now , dentists in Pennsylvania can provide emergency dental care to patients who have been suffering with severe pain and swelling , or who have had traumatic injuries to their teeth as a result of accidents , without the requirement to use negative pressure rooms which are not available in dental offices , hospitals , public health facilities or dental schools .
“ We are also pleased that patients needing life-saving medical procedures , such as cardiac surgery , kidney transplants , radiation and chemotherapy , can be screened for dental clearance by their dentists . We look forward to communicating regularly with the Department of Health as this crisis unfolds .”
Routine dental care is still prohibited under this order . Only patients with dental emergencies or urgent dental needs can be seen , and pre-screening procedures should be implemented prior to dentists seeing the patient . Dentists should review the infection control processes as outlined in the document and review the guidelines for how to treat patients who are COVID-19 negative or who are not suspected of having COVID-19 and those for patients who are COVID-19 positive or suspected of having the virus .
The Department of Health has committed to continuing conversations with PDA leaders and others on a regular basis as COVID-19 continues to spread in Pennsylvania . In the future , new guidelines for the safe delivery of routine dental care , when permitted , will be developed in cooperation with organized dentistry .
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