The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) officially named COVID-19 is rapidly becoming a critical issue for all healthcare facilities, because there is much yet to learn about its spread and severity. But this much is clear: healthcare staff minimize their risk of exposure when caring for confirmed or possible COVID-19 patients by following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) infection prevention and control guidelines, including use of recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Information Hub for Healthcare Professionals (CDC)
As medical professionals, we must stay informed daily, and keep in mind that the unfailing practice of infection control basics are our best means for protecting our staff, patients, and the public.
COVID-19 Precautions and Protocol
While the risk to U.S. patients is currently low, standard precautions should be taken at all times.
The CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 include:
- Minimize chance for exposure to possibly infected patients before arrival and during visit
- Follow standard, contact, and airborne precautions including use of eye protection
- Manage visitor access and movement within the facility
- Shield healthcare staff from possibly infected individuals
- Monitor and manage ill and exposed personnel.
For dental staff, the American Dental Association Practice Institute’s COVID-19 guide reinforces the CDC guidance.
Staying in the Know about COVID-19
HealthFirst’s Medical Advisory Board includes dental and medical professionals who are actively working to manage this public health threat in their practices. We’ve committed to share our experiences and resources, so please check this blog post regularly for updated information and links to the most current guidance and findings.
You also can follow HealthFirst on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter for regular updates as we share the most relevant information for clinical staff.
COVID-19 Resource Hubs
- CDC
- CDC Videos about COVID-19
- ADA
- ADA Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions
- ADA COVID-19 Toolkit for Dentists
- Journal of the American Medical Association
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- OSAP
- PlanetDDS
- Ambulatory Surgery Center Association
- Henry Schein
- Dental Products Report
- The National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL)
- Health Industry Distributors Association
- The Joint Commission
Topics
All Medical and Dental Professionals
- Clinical studies and observations (JAMA)
- Outbreak Map (JAMA)
- Evaluating and Reporting Persons for COVID-19 (CDC)
- Healthcare Systems Preparedness for COVID-19 (CDC Webinar)
- Supply of Personal Protective Equipment (CDC)
- FAQ about Respirators and their Use (CDC)
- Types of Masks and Respirators (CDC)
- Standard Precautions for All Patient Care (CDC)
- Get Your Mass Gatherings or Large Community Events Ready (CDC)
- Henry Schein Updates on Availability of Personal Protective Equipment (Henry Schein)
- PPE Burn Rate Calculator (CDC)
- Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility (CDC)
- Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control FAQs for COVID-19 (CDC)
- Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 (OSHA)
- EPA’s Registered Antimicrobial Products for Use Against Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (EPA)
- Reopening Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting (CDC)
Dental Professionals
- Interim Mask and Face Shield Guidelines for Dentistry (ADA)
- Guidance on Definition of Dental Emergency (ADA)
- Dental Office Coding and Billing Interim Guidance (ADA)
- Managing Autoclaves, Waterlines and Amalgam Separators in a Dental Office Closure (HealthFirst)
- Practice Startup Checklist After Office Closure (Henry Schein)
- Dentistry Workers and Employers (OSHA)
- Return to Work Toolkit (ADA)
- Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings (CDC)
- Interim Guidance on Returning to Work (ADHA)
