Since dental offices in Iowa were allowed to reopen in early May 2020, we have been operating under the mandatory “Board Guidelines for the Safe Transition Back to Practice”, which is tied in with the Governor’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency. Earlier this week, the provision requiring this compliance has now expired. What that means is that dental offices are no longer mandated to adhere to the strict guidelines set to see patients as they were under the Covid-19 pandemic. The standard precautions of infection control for dental and healthcare settings set by the CDC will continue to be followed, just as they were prior to Covid-19.
Although no longer required, there are some aspects of the Covid-19 Guidelines that we at The Dental Loft feel would be beneficial to continue following at this time. Some of these include continuing to run air purification systems with HEPA filters in the waiting and treatment rooms, using UV sterilization in each treatment room daily, and keeping our plexiglass barriers at the front desk in place. Of course, anyone who is ill, has had or has had recent contact with a Covid-19 positive case, should reschedule their dental appointment. We also require anyone who has not completed their Covid-19 vaccinations to wear a mask into the building.
As future changes and guidelines are put in place by the Iowa Dental Board, we will be sure to keep our patients informed. We truly appreciate our community working with us thus far as we work to create a safe dental environment, while also providing patients with comprehensive, compassionate, and comfortable dental experiences.
Dr. Jena Hauswirth