Information on this chart is based on the dental board and Cal/OSHA requirements.
Individual counties have issued public health orders for specified healthcare workers and others to wear masks during their designated respiratory virus season. Masks must be worn by individuals for 10 days immediately after they test positive for a respiratory virus or start experiencing symptoms. Dental board regulations require the wearing of masks in combination with either chin length plastic face shields or protective eyewear whenever there is potential for aerosol spray or spattering of OPIM.
** If consistent with office uniform policy, dental team members should change out of street clothes into clinical attire upon arrival to the office. Clinical attire is not considered PPE. PPE should be donned prior to seeing patients. Lab coats worn as the outermost garment that provide adequate protection for the employee may be considered PPE. A gown may be a more appropriate choice of protective attire for most dental procedures.
^ PPE in these scenarios should be changed between patients when visibly wet or soiled.
# PPE, including gowns, should be changed between patients.
& respirator is not required if the patient, on the day of treatment, has tested negative for COVID-19 or other respiratory virus. A surgical mask must be worn instead.
+ For staff performing in-office laundering duties, gloves and appropriate clinical attire must be worn. Use of face shield or eye protection are recommended. Follow established protocols for cleaning patient care areas.
Resources
NIOSH Certified Equipment List Search
FDA N95 Respirators, Surgical Masks, Face Masks and Barrier Face Coverings