Updated COVID Recommendations
The American Dental Association (ADA) released a fact sheet on August 6th containing information about the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 and why vaccination and masks continue to be recommended by the ADA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Some important points in the fact sheet are:
- ADA and CDC recommendations for dental practice settings remain the same. Mitigation strategies, long recommended by the CDC and ADA, include being vaccinated against the virus, using personal protective equipment in practice settings and social distancing.
- As of the end of July 2021, the overwhelming majority of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are among individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
- Infection by this strain can be detected earlier after exposure and is seen to have a higher concentration of viral particles present in infected individuals.
The COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all people aged 12 years and older, including people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. When talking to patients including pregnant women, reassure them it’s safe to get the vaccine. The CDC has developed some talking points to use here.
On August 18, 2021 public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a statement on a plan to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots this fall, pending final FDA evaluation of third doses of the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines and formal recommendations from CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). They are prepared to offer booster shots for all Americans beginning the week of September 20, 2021and starting 8 months after an individual’s second dose. At that time, the individuals who were fully vaccinated earliest in the vaccination rollout, including many health care providers, nursing home residents, and other seniors, will likely be eligible for a booster. They would also begin efforts to deliver booster shots directly to residents of long-term care facilities at that time, given the distribution of vaccines to this population early in the vaccine rollout and the continued increased risk that COVID-19 poses to them.
Read the full joint statement here.
The COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on our daily lives is rapidly evolving. Below are links to resources and guidance to provide the most up to date information for providers and patients.
CDC
COVID-19: Guidance for Dental Settings – UPDATED
The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) – Respirator Trusted-Source Information
Resources for Clinics and Healthcare Facilities
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – What You Need To Know and Community Resources
Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Situation Summary – Global and US Data
Map of COVID-19 Cases by County, USA (county data)
New Vaccinations Demographics Page
ADA
Coronavirus Center for Dentists
COVID-19 Resources for Dentists
ADA Guidance on dental emergency, nonemergency care
What is a Dental Emergency?
TDA Statement on Administering the Vaccine
OSHA
COVID-19 – Control and Prevention – Dentistry Workers and Employers\
US Department of Labor
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Alert to Help Keep Dental Industry Practitioners Safe During the Coronavirus Pandemic
TSBDE
TSBDE COVID-19 Resources
TSBDE emergency rule related to Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-19
Governor Abbot’s Executive Order restricts healthcare professionals and facilities
Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-15 Modifies Dental Practice
The Oral Health Workforce Research Center (OHWRC)
New AAP interim guidance covers use of PPE in ambulatory settings
The latest information from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE is the 24/7 number to call for help with any social service needs – from food and shelter to child care and job training.
The latest information from 2-1-1 on community resources for the coronavirus (COVID-19).
For those wishing to volunteer, please visit the Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry.
