Dear Colleagues,
We are writing to inform you that CDC has made an edit to the Dec. 4, 2020 COVID-19 Guidance for Dental Settings.
Previously, the guidance stated that dental healthcare personnel should avoid aerosol-generating procedures for all patients, regardless of known or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection status from the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. This language, which encompassed all patients regardless of level of risk, has been removed. This change was made to align this guidance for dental settings with current CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.
Please note: dental healthcare personnel should continue to avoid aerosol-generating procedures for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, if possible. More information on recommendations for these patients is available in the Guidance for Dental Settings. Dental health care personnel should continue to practice universal precautions for all patients, even those with no symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
CDC continually assesses emerging scientific evidence for developing policies, guidelines, and recommendations. CDC will continue to update this guidance as additional information becomes available. We hope you find this information useful.
Sincerely,
CDC Division of Oral Health
