ADA will issue update on how new OSHA rule affects dentists, practices

Washington - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued an Emergency Temporary Standard on June 10 to protect health care workers from COVID-19.

The ADA is currently reviewing the 900-page rule and will be issuing an update on how it will affect dentists, dental teams and patients.

The ADA has been advocating for dentistry on this issue since January, when President Joe Biden issued an executive order making the health and safety of workers a priority. Earlier this month, ADA President Daniel J. Klemmedson, D.D.S., M.D., and staff met with the White House  Office of Management and Budget to discuss how the rule could impact dentistry. During that meeting, Dr. Klemmedson told officials there wasn't a "grave danger of being exposed to COVID-19 in dental settings, particularly as the pandemic is decelerating" and noted that dentists have experienced "exceptionally low monthly incidences of COVID-19" despite several regional and national spikes during OSHA's study periods.

Follow all of the ADA's advocacy efforts at ADA.org/Advocacy .