Massachusetts Dental Society provides important assistance regarding office closures

by KEVIN KUO, DDS, MMSc | March 17, 2020

Massachusetts Dental Society has been quick to provide members guidance and resources to deal with the current COVID-19 pandemic. Their website is an excellent source for commonly asked questions regarding the transition from normal practice to limited emergency practice.

MDS defines emergency dental treatment as:

Toothaches: Fractured teeth with associated pain, severe decay

Symptomatic endodontics

Completion of cases that are in temporary stage (at the doctor’s discretion)

Periodontal and endodontic abscesses

Suture removal

Orthodontics limited to trauma, trauma from orthodontic appliance (wire/bracket)

Fractured prosthesis and limited adjustments

Extraction of symptomatic teeth that likely do not require surgical intervention

MDS recommends these infection control precautions:

Pre-operative mouthwash for patient

Comprehensive use of rubber dam isolation, high-speed evacuation

Strict adherence to all OSHA/JCO Materials guidelines

Strict adherence to all proper hand hygiene, clinical gown, and PPE

MDS answers commonly asked questions regarding staffing during closure:

1. Do I need to pay my staff during this shut down?

2. Staff reductions:

3. What is the difference between these options?

4. Which staff can I lay off?

5. Employer responsibilities when laying off an employee(s)

6. Can an employer choose to pay severance to employees being laid off?

7. If staff chooses to voluntarily not work, do I need to pay them?

8. Can I mandate that my staff come into work for emergency care?

9. Is an employer required to document the layoff or furlough in writing with each employee and must they meet with each employee in person to notify them of any change in employment?

10. Are there hardship loans available?

11. Can I pay employees during some period of shutdown and then lay off or furlough staff on an unpaid basis if the shutdown continues?

12. Do I need to treat all employees the same (i.e., lay off everyone or just lay off one person)?

13. Can I rehire staff that I previously laid off?

14. Can staff qualify for assistance if they are still technically employed?

MDS discusses risk management issues during the pandemic.

Can I be sued by patients or employees if they can get COVID-19 from my office?

Do I need to use the N95 respirator?

Do you have a sample informed consent form available for patients that come in for care during the pandemic?

Author Commentary: I am proud of the MDS for compiling such an amazing resource.