The Connecticut State Dental Association and the Connecticut Dental Hygienists' Association Support the ReOpen CT Dental Subgroup Report
SOUTHINGTON, Conn. (May 16, 2020) - The Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) and the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA-CT), our statewide professional membership organizations, participated in conversations last week with the Reopen CT Dental Subgroup created by Governor Lamont’s office to address recommendations for providing essential dental procedures during the state’s first phase of reopening. Below is a statement from Dr. Tam Le, CSDA President and Dana Northway, RDH, ADHA-CT President.
“The CSDA and ADHA-CT are grateful to have been included in the talks of the Reopen CT Dental Subgroup with the Department of Public Health and together, we support the resulting guidelines that have been presented to Governor Lamont. The CSDA and ADHA-CT representatives feel that it was a very productive meeting, and believe that the group has recommended thoughtful and workable best practices for the entire dental team to utilize when deciding to resume providing treatment beyond emergent care.
The CSDA and ADHA-CT understand the legitimate concerns members of the dental team may have regarding aerosols that are released during certain dental procedures, including dental cleanings. Together, dentist and hygienist members of the Dental Subgroup have identified ways to best minimize the risks of exposure. Many of these methods are already included in the Return to Work Guidance documents developed by the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association—both of which suggest using the lowest aerosol-generating techniques when delivering hygiene or restorative care. This includes hand scaling rather than ultrasonic scaling when appropriate; the use of rubber dams to isolate specific areas of the mouth; and more, as specified in the forthcoming guidance.
Going forward, the ‘new’ normal will look different in dental offices for both patients and the dental team. It is important for all dental offices to follow the American Dental Association, CDC and OSHA guidelines, provide required PPE, as well as participate in productive conversations with the entire dental team, prior to adding elective dental procedures back into rotation.”
About the Connecticut State Dental Association
The Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) has approximately 2,300 members. As the trusted leader and voice for oral health care in Connecticut, the CSDA has advocated for the public's health and promoted the art and science of dentistry since 1864. For more information about the CSDA, or to find a CSDA Member Dentist to make your next dental appointment, visit www.csda.com.
About the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA-CT)
Since the inception of the Connecticut Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA-CT) in the early 1900’s by Irene Newman, the first dental hygienist, ADHA-CT has been the voice of Connecticut’s dental hygienists. ADHA-CT supports the advancement of the dental hygiene profession by promoting the highest clinical, educational, and ethical standards and advocates for the public’s total health through prevention and access to quality care. For more information, visit www.adha-ct.com.
