Are face coverings still required?

CDC mask guidance for fully vaccinated people does not apply to health care settings

Please read the following article from the California Dental Association (CDA):

Source:

https://www.cda.org/Home/News-and-Events/Newsroom/Article-Details/face-coverings-social-distancing-still-required-for-fully-vaccinated-patients-and-staff-in-dental-office?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email

Masks and social distancing are still required in the dental office

Cal/OSHA has not yet updated its COVID-19 prevention regulations for fully vaccinated dental team members. As for now, dental practices should continue complying with Cal/OSHA regulations that require all dental team members to wear face coverings and practice social distancing when in the dental office. Additionally, respirators are still required in areas where aerosol-generating procedures are being performed.

Cal/OSHA is considering updating its regulations to align with CDC guidance, which allows fully vaccinated dental team members to socialize in breakrooms and conduct in-person meetings without wearing face coverings or social distancing. As for now, protocols for face coverings and social distancing should remain in place when in the breakroom except while an employee is eating and physically distant from others.

Dental practices should inform patients and visitors that the CDC’s recent mask guidance for fully vaccinated people does not apply to health care settings and that face coverings and social distancing are required while in the dental office. Social distancing protocols should be implemented in the waiting room with patients from different households.