Urgent (Coronavirus) COVID-19 Updates

As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Gov. Newsom's recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, including the call for all seniors over the age of 65 and residents with chronic conditions to self-isolate at home, the California Dental Association is requesting the cooperation of all California dentists and issuing the following guidance:

The California Dental Association strongly recommends that dentists practicing in California voluntarily suspend nonessential or non-urgent dental care for the next 14 days. As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services.

CDA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in "flattening the curve" in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus.

Our collective actions now will determine the spread of COVID-19, and this recommendation is being made after careful deliberation and in consultation with state and national public health experts. We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic. We recognize the gravity of these extreme measures and are sensitive to the economic impact of such actions. Rest assured that CDA will advocate on behalf of all dentists in California for economic relief packages.

We understand you will have questions about what to do next following this announcement. For the most up-to-date information and support, visit our dedicated information page at cda.org/covid19. CDA Practice Support is also available at 800.232.7645 but is experiencing a significant increase in calls, so wait times may be longer than usual. On Monday, March 16, we will follow this alert with resources for communicating with staff and patients. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and share CDA's COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates with your social networks to circulate this news with our dental community.