The CDC removes 15 minute wait recommendation
The CDC has removed its recommendation that dental care personnel wait 15 minutes after completion of clinical care.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed its recommendation that dental care personnel wait 15 minutes after completion of clinical care and exit each patient without suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to begin to clean and disinfect room surfaces.
This recommendation has been removed to align with the CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Healthcare Settings. The update was announced on June 17 on the CDC’s website.
Additionally, the time period recommended for patients to inform the dental clinic if they develop symptoms or are diagnosed with COVID-19 following a dental appointment has been changed to 2 days to align with the CDC’s Healthcare Personnel with Potential Exposure Guidance.
The 15-minute wait was originally included in the CDC’s Guidance for Dental Settings on May 19, which provides interim infection prevention and control considerations for dental settings during the coronavirus pandemic.
Click here for more guidance from the CDC for dental settings.
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