Systems in Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, California, and Washington, D.C., are putting mask mandates in place as cases of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus rise, according to a Jan. 11 news release from the American Dental Association.
The ADA is encouraging all dentists to be aware of both state and local masking guidelines.
Even if there is not a masking requirement — as there is in certain settings in New York City and Los Angeles County — dentists and dental practices can push for staff and patients to use a mask based on area risk levels.
Currently, the CDC’s recommendation for masking is based on local COVID-19 hospital admission levels, the release said.
