The American Dental Association has released a COVID-19 & Lab Testing Requirements Toolkit to aid dentists who are interested in incorporating rapid point-of-care testing in their practice. The resource is designed to help members understand what is required to offer tests in the dental office and to guide them through the process of applying for the required federal certification.

Although POC tests are not yet as readily available and accurate as they need to be for dental practice use, CDA is advocating for California dentists to have testing capabilities, including priority access to state test stockpiles as essential health care providers, reasonable reimbursement and regulatory authority to perform tests through California Department of Public Health licensure.

To assist members with California-specific requirements, CDA’s Clinical Care Workgroup will release additional POC testing guidance next month.

In California, COVID-19 testing as a screening tool is within the scope of practice for dentists; however, the test must first be considered “waived” by the FDA for dentists to administer the test to patients. Read more on the regulatory compliance requirements for in-office testing and CDA’s ongoing advocacy efforts for licensure and reimbursement.