The Iowa Dental Board is sharing the following information to address ongoing questions and concerns regarding COVID-19. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
FACE MASKS
The Board requires compliance with the CDC Guidelines for Infection Control. Masks are single-use and disposable. They should be changed between patients or during patient treatment if the mask becomes wet. Due to supply issues, we encourage offices to note that current requirements do not require the use of Level 3 masks for all dental procedures and operations.
The American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) has established levels of masks to account for the varying levels of materials with which an individual may come into contact. The following information may be helpful when determining what kind of mask to use for different dental procedures.
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ASTM Level 1: Recommended for procedures where there may be low exposure to fluid, spray and/or aerosol is produced. Level 1 masks would be recommended for activities such as exams, evaluations, orthodontic visits, operatory cleaning or similar procedures.*
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ASTM Level 2: Recommended for procedures where there may be a low to moderate exposure to fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced. Level 2 masks would be recommended for sealant placement, simple restorative or composite procedures, endodontics or similar procedures.*
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ASTM Level 3: Recommended for procedures where there may be exposure to moderate to heavy amounts of fluid, spray and/or aerosols are produced. Level 3 masks would be recommended for the use of ultrasonic scalers and other similar equipment, crown and bridge preparation, complex oral surgery, implant placement and similar procedures.*
*Examples of appropriate procedures were obtained through the ADA’s website. Please visit their website for more information and frequently asked questions.
The Iowa Dental Board understands that many dental supply companies are limiting the quantities of masks and gloves based on the averages of previous orders. As a result, attention should be paid to the types of masks used to ensure sufficient access to the appropriate type of mask when needed. The use of a rubber dam in restorative procedures could also be utilized as additional protection.
SELF QUARANTINE RECOMMENDATIONS
If you have recently returned from a country with a Level 3 travel health notice, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the IDPH recommend that you stay at home for a period of 14 days. The start of the self-quarantine should begin on the date that you returned from an affected area.
Additional information regarding the recommendations to self-quarantine is available at the websites of the CDC and IDPH.
CONTINUING EDUCATION AND RENEWAL
The Board has started to receive questions regarding cancellations of continuing education events and the requirements for renewal in 2020. IAC 650 – Chapter 25 allows licensees to complete a maximum of 12 hours of self-study continuing education and claim up to 3 hours for recertification in CPR.
Live webinars may be completed in lieu of in-person continuing education, and do not count towards self-study hours. The Board defines a live webinar as an online course that includes the involvement of an instructor and participants in real time and which allow for communication with the instructor through messaging, telephone or other means.
The Board will make rule waivers available for licensees who may need to obtain more hours through self-study than what is permitted, due to COVID-19. More information on this process, and the criteria the Board will use to consider these waivers, to follow.
LICENSURE UPDATE
As of today, we do not expect delays in our work at the Iowa Dental Board. This includes the processing of licenses or registrations, and our upcoming licensure renewal for dentists. If that changes, we will issue a press release.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19
Iowa Department of Public Health: https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus
Available resources from the CDC:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/steps-to-prepare.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/infection-control/control-recommendations.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html
The American Dental Association has made information available for dentists about COVID-19 here.
Questions can be directed to jill.stuecker@iowa.gov or 515-281-6935.
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