ADA applauds OSHA rule exempting most dentists

The ADA submitted formal comments commending the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) emergency temporary standard aimed at protecting healthcare workers from COVID-19 exposure, according to a July 26 story from ADA News.

The ADA praised the administration's "deliberative and highly collaborative approach" to developing the standard, which was released in June and exempts most dental health professionals, according to the association's comments.

The standard affects those working in healthcare settings in which all employees may not be screened for COVID-19 and where nonemployees and patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 may be treated.

Nevertheless, the association also noted that it continues to advise dentists to do the following:

• Conduct routine office hazard assessments that factor in local considerations.
• Screen patients prior to appointments and onsite.
• Adjust infection control protocols as needed.

OSHA has not yet published the standard as a final rule.