Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that dental practices in the state can reopen on May 1.
Released as part of Executive Order 19, the decision follows a lobbying effort by the Texas Dental Association (TDA) and a letter to the governor from more than 40 members of the Texas House of Representatives. The TDA said it anticipates that the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) will meet soon to discuss "emergency rules" to dictate "minimum standards for safe practice." It also will represent its membership at this meeting and advocate for the full opening of Texas dental practices, according to a statement.
The TDA noted that dentists are the head of the dental team and must exercise independent professional judgement when deciding whether to reopen safely. This decision should include strict adherence to requirements regarding personal protective equipment and the implementation of COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines to operate safely while protecting the health of patients, dentists, and dental team members, according to the association.
