PA Lifts Restrictions On Dental Procedures During Coronavirus

Pennsylvania has revised its business closure orders issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus, removing the prohibition on dental procedures. Previously, only emergency dental procedures were permitted during the closure order; now dentists can reopen provided they following the guidance issued by the governor and health department.

The guidance mandates that dental care can be provided if the proper protective equipment is available for all practitioners, including dental hygienists.

“We want to make sure that dental practices are operating in a way that protects everyone working in the dental office, patients, and community,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. “If a practice does not have the proper personal protective equipment to perform procedures, then they simply cannot operate. However, we also realize that we do not want to create additional public health needs after the pandemic related to dental issues. By taking appropriate precautions, dentists across Pennsylvania can provide necessary public health treatments in a safe and effective way.”

Procedures that create a "visible spray" containing large particle droplets should not be performed because they are considered aerosol generating, the guidance states.

"However, as a last resort when clinically necessary, aerosol generating procedures are allowed, only if proper PPE, per OSHA guidance, is available for all dental care practitioners including dental hygienists, since not all patients who have COVID-19 are symptomatic," the guidance said.

The Department of Health and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency are not currently prioritizing dental practices for protective gear distribution. Practices will have to obtain their own protective gear.

Additional measures in the guidance include:

• Patients should be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before arriving at the practice.
• Social distancing should be maintained while inside the office.
• Patients should wash or sanitize hands frequently and wear a mask when not undergoing treatment.
• Tele-dentistry should continue whenever possible, as patients might be able to be treated virtually with antibiotics and pain medication.

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