By Darrell Pruitt, DDS
“ADA urges HHS to federally recognize licensed dentists to administer point of service COVID-19 tests – Association says enabling dentists to test patients prior to treatment will help lower entire dental team’s risk of exposure.”
By Jennifer Garvin for ADA News. April 17, 2020.
Garvin:
In the letter to Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., HHS assistant secretary for health, the ADA explained that administering these types of tests falls under licensed dentists’ scope of practice. The Association said by issuing federal recognition, dentists would qualify as “covered persons” under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, which may extend protection from liability associated with the administration or use of FDA-authorized COVID-19 tests.
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Without quick and accurate testing, I simply will not re-open. That would be reckless endangerment of everyone, and I would be at fault. That won’t happen. “First, do no harm.”
ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS:
If HHS issues “federal recognition that dentists may administer point of service tests,” visiting the dentist will become safer than a walk in the park. If not, it’s the wild west, round two.
Actually, if we can eliminate covid from dental offices through daily testing of everyone who enters, dentistry should be able to return to a pre-covid world. Very few other business entities will be able to do this.
Here’s something to consider: Along with increased testing, there will soon be intensive contact tracing. If a dental office becomes a source of infection, their community will be warned – and deservedly so.
