The Door to Open Dental Practices in Alaska Gets Shut by Mandatory Testing

Alaska dental practices were preparing to see patients for non-emergency care as the state begins a phased-in approach to re-opening; however, a state health mandate issued by Governor Mike Dunleavy that requires testing patients for COVID-19 may eliminate the possibility. The mandate states that patients seeking elective dental procedures that generate aerosols, such as prophylaxes, must have a negative COVID-19 test within the past 48 hours before they can receive treatment. Officials from the Alaska Board of Dental Examiners note that the limited accessibility of such tests, especially for patients who live in rural areas, makes meeting this mandate a challenge. Additionally, they suggest that patient screening for COVID-19 can increase the safety of dental care. Currently, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to advise against the reopening of dental practices except for emergency care with an update to this recommendation expected soon.

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