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    COVID-19

    NEW 3-10-22 CDC Update on Masking 
     Dental clinics are considered healthcare settings and should continue to follow CDC’s infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare settings, which continue to use COVID-19 Data Tracker transmission levels as a metric for stratifying IPC measures (e.g., use of source control, screening, testing). 
     
    Click here to determine the level of transmission in your county. In substantial to high transmission areas, there have been no changes to source control measures. Per CDC, in areas with "low to moderate" transmission levels: 
     
    Healthcare workers who are up to date with all COVID-19 vaccine doses may choose to not wear a mask when in non-patient contact areas. In situations where there is patient contact, all healthcare workers need to mask. 
     
    MDH has indicated there are no changes currently planned regarding CDC guidance on masking by healthcare workers in patient contact situations, regardless of vaccination status. Some patients may refuse to mask in your facility due to recent changes in requirements in other facilities, airports, schools, etc. If a patient refuses to mask, use your best judgment on how to remedy the situation based on your patient-doctor relationship. Board of Dentistry rule indicates that CDC infection control guidance needs to be utilized in dental clinics.  
     
    This is a statewide requirement for all healthcare facilities. Dental clinics should remain aligned with medical facilities until further notice. 
     
     
    1/18/2022 - Updates to CDC’s COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines in Healthcare and Non-healthcare Settings

    1/18/2022 - Updates to CDC’s COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Guidelines in Healthcare and Non-healthcare Settings (Call Slides) 
     
    On December 27, 2021, CDC updated isolation and quarantine guidance for the community.
    These updates are not intended to apply to healthcare settings.  CDC’s recommendations for healthcare personnel remain what are posted in the following guidance document, which were updated on December 23, 2021.  An infographic included on these pages summarizes the key recommendations for work restriction for healthcare personnel with SARS-CoV-2 infection or with exposure to someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
     
    NEW 12/28/2021 - CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population 
     
    NEW 10/22/2021- CDC Building the Safest Dental Visit
     

    The CDC document from December 2020 stated that dental personnel should avoid aerosol-generating procedures for all patients, regardless of known or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection status. Now the document states that dental healthcare personnel should avoid aerosol-generating procedures for patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, if possible.

     
     
     
     

    Update on Temperature Screening 3/11/21
    Since many of the healthcare systems are no longer taking temperatures, the Board is no longer requiring the taking of temperatures on patients and employees. The Board still requires screening your patients and staff members with questions regarding symptoms of COVID infection and exposure. You may use your own form or there are many template forms online. You may also do an oral screening as long as it is documented. 
     
     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    For dental clinics or dental healthcare providers that have not yet reported to their county or have not yet been contacted by their county for vaccination scheduling.
    Recent federal guidance may change allocations to counties throughout the state. Many counties have not started scheduling yet at this time for dental providers due to the amount of HCW in their areas, especially for metro counties. The target goal for 1a. 3 was to be completed by the end of January or scheduled into the first part of February. The counties vary by supply and demand so there will be a wait in many counties. However, the Board has provided many counties with contact information for dental licensees so they have means to contact providers and clinics when they are ready.  
     

    Anoka County dentists should receive communication from the county this week. This form was sent out by the Board several weeks ago to register Anoka county clinics. The metro county survey was also sent out at the direction of county organizers and includes Anoka county. However, if you filled out the survey, are located in Anoka county, and have NOT been contacted yet please follow up and send this form to Anoka County Public Health email (public.health@co.anoka.mn.us). Please DO NOT fill out a new form and resend it if you already did a few weeks ago. 

    Ramsey County Update 1/20/21
    As of today, they are beginning to notify dental clinics about available appointments at their vaccination clinic times and locations. They send an email with a link to register for appointments and notify dentists to forward the link to their clinic staff. They are going down the list of providers that filled out the survey and working on scheduling. 

    COVID-19 Vaccine Communications for Health Care Personnel Update - January 22 Message for Phase 1a3 Health Care Workers

    Resources for Dental Professionals 
    Facility Plan Document
    Staff/Patient Management
    Mask Information and Education
    Aerosol Management and Information
    Infection Control
    Association and CDC Resources
    Resources for PPE/Engineering Control Modifications
    Mental Health Resources
    Staff Health and Wellbeing resources:
    • IHI: A Guide to Promoting Health Care Workforce Well-Being During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic New! January 26, 2021 New!
    • Mental Wellbeing for Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Quick Safety Issue 54: Promoting Psychosocial Well-being of Health Care Staff During Crisis
    Helpful Information about COVID-19
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