COVID-19 Information and FAQs

As California moves forward with reopening the economy and lifting the statewide mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals on June 15, dental practice owners should be prepared to communicate to patients that face coverings will still be required in the dental office.  

Registered dental assistants and registered dental assistants in extended functions who are applying for licensure in California now have additional time to complete their examination requirements. The Department of Consumer Affairs on June 3 approved a waiver that grants an extension to RDAs and RDAEFs whose clinical exams have been delayed because of the pandemic. 

Some dentists are unclear about whether to maintain face covering and social distancing requirements in the dental office following the CDC's updated mask guidance for fully vaccinated people. Cal/OSHA has not yet updated its COVID-19 prevention guidance for dental offices. Protocols for masks and social distancing are still required. 

Dental practice owners can now order PPE, including N95 masks, face shields and nitrile gloves, at no cost through CDA and the California Medical Association’s PPE relief program. Items are available for order on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. 

CDA Presents The Art and Science of Dentistry virtual convention kicks off May 13 with more than 60 C.E. courses, including exciting courses developed by CDA’s Practice Support and Public Affairs teams. The courses will offer prudent guidance and tips on employment practices, patient communication and dental benefit contracts, and all are designed to strengthen dental teams.

Get to know CDA’s May Student Spotlight, Michael Mears from Western University’s class of 2023.

Gov. Gavin Newsom on April 16 signed a bill that requires employers in certain industries statewide to rehire employees who were laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dental practice owners who hire and employ an individual janitorial staff member to clean their dental office are considered covered employers and must comply with the new obligations. 

In addition to more than 60 C.E. courses and an interactive exhibit hall, the virtual convention features of a lineup of fun events that will take you on a wine tasting tour along the California coast, stimulate your taste buds with the finest chocolates and teach you how to make delicious cocktails like a professional mixologist.

Dr. Tippett-Whyte discusses the latest developments with Delta Dental's planned fee cuts and provides insight on CDA’s ongoing advocacy efforts to ensure Delta Dental honors its obligation to providers.

Attendees will have the opportunity to shop virtual booths in an interactive exhibit hall, chat in real time with industry experts and access the convention-only deals that have long been a part of the CDA Presents experience.