Fields Family Dental COVID-19 Update

Since the start of the COVID pandemic, the MSDA’s Public Health Emergency Committee (formerly the COVID Task Force) continues to meet and monitor the latest developments and information that the profession needs to know. Recent increases in positivity rates and hospitalizations, as well as new variants emerging around the world is causing concern that we are on the cusp of another significant wave of COVID to sweep across Maryland. Dental offices must remain vigilant in their use of PPE and adherence to infection control protocols. While masking requirements vary across the state, the use of masks and other PPE and proper health screenings remain unchanged. 

Per the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners, all dental offices are required to continue to have staff and patients mask when in the facility, when not directly receiving care.

It has come to our attention that a poster available through the ADA is making its way into some dental offices around the State. These posters suggest that masking is optional due to low community rates. These posters are NOT correct for Maryland. Again, all healthcare facilities, including dental offices are still REQUIRED to mask and follow all infection control protocols in their office. Offices that are not requiring masks are subjecting themselves to possible investigation and penalty by the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners. It is important that we continue to remind our patients and the public in general that dental offices ARE healthcare centers just like the hospital or doctor’s office.
 
The MSDA will continue to monitor the status of the pandemic in Maryland and continue to provide updates as needed.
 

Give us a call at 410-672-3501 to set up your next appointment!