Announcement from the Board of Dentistry on the COVID-19 State of Emergency ending:
On March 22, 2022, the General Assembly approved final passage of SJR 150, which officially ended the COVID-related state of emergency in Kentucky. While licensees may return to practicing under pre-pandemic conditions, they can and should use their professional judgement to continue with any COVID protocols they deem appropriate for their unique staff and patient environment.
The passage of SJR 150 also marks the end of the Board’s suspension of 201 KAR 562 Section 12(5), which requires a dentist examination within seven months of treatment by a dental hygienist practicing under general supervision. The original seven month rule is now back into effect and practitioners should adjust their schedules accordingly to maintain compliance.
View past COVID-19 updates and resources below.
Guidance for Individuals, Families, and Caregivers
KOHC Infographic
As you make plans to visit your dental provider, consider these changes you may see when you make an appointment or visit a dental office. What to Expect as Dental Offices Reopen.
Dr. Julie McKee explains changes patients will notice when going to their dentist.
Recorded April 28, 2020 by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccines
Statement of Emergency
The Kentucky Board of Dentistry has filed an emergency regulation to temporarily allow qualifying dentists and dental hygienists to administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA and according to guidance from the CDC and CHFS.
Administering COVID-19 Vaccines
The Kentucky Board of Dentistry has provided guidance for immunization training programs and requirements for qualifying dentists and dental hygienists.
Vaccine Resources
The Kentucky Department of Public Health shared the following vaccine resources.
Guidance on Reopening of Dental Offices, Community Based Dental Care, and School Based Dental Care
April 27, 2020 Governor Beshear issued an executive order addressing healthcare reopening in Kentucky.
Phase I Healthcare Services Reopening : Dentistry’s Plan
Beginning April 27, 2020 Kentucky’s licensed dental professionals are able to provide services to their patients by resuming non-urgent, non-emergent dental services, if they’ve met the appropriate reopening guidelines. In collaboration with the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, Kentucky Dental Association, Kentucky Dental Hygienist Association, Kentucky Department of Public Health, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, and Kentucky Oral Health Coalition provides initial reopening guidance for dental practices that will protect the dental team and their patients.
Phase I of Dentistry Reopening FAQ
OSAP Guidance
The Organization for Safety, Asepsis, and Prevention (OSAP) and The DentaQuest Partnership for Oral Health Advancement provide guidance for dental offices regarding infection prevention and control during a pandemic, including COVID-19.
ADHA Interim Guidance
The American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) provided interim guidance on returning to work.
ADA Interim Guidance
The American Dental Association (ADA) released a toolkit outlining interim guidance for oral health professionals as they return to work.
School Sealant Programs
CDC Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided updated guidance for the safety of students, teachers, staff, and dental healthcare professionals participating in school sealant programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
OSAP Guidance
The Organization for Safety Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) has provided resources for school sealant programs during COVID-19.
- Guide: Infection Prevention & Control Guide for School Sealant Programs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- PowerPoint Slides & Presenter Script: Infection Prevention & Control Guide for School Sealant Programs During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- On-Demand Webinar: Infection Prevention & Control Guidance and Considerations for School Sealant Programs During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Interactive Article: Infection Prevention & Control in School Sealant Programs During COVID-19 Learning Tool
Guidance on PPE and Infection Control in Dental Offices
ADA Guidance Understanding Mask Types
The American Dental Association (ADA) provided guidance on understanding mask types.
CDC Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on infection prevention and control for dental settings during COVID-19.
OSHA Guidance
The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) released new guidance for dental settings addressing infection control and prevention during COVID-19.
EPA Guidance
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided guidance on approved disinfectants to use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Guidance on Teledentistry
Additional COVID-19 Resources and Information
Webinars
KOHC Webinar | Kentucky Phase I Healthcare Services Reopening
In an effort to help synthesize the new guidance surrounding Phase I Healthcare Services Reopening, the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition hosted a free webinar with key oral health partner organizations on Friday, May 1 at 1:00pm EST.
KOHC Webinar | Kentucky Oral Health Partner Response to COVID-19
The Kentucky Oral Health Coalition hosted a webinar on April 3, 2020 featuring key oral health partners from across the state. The goal of this webinar was to synthesize information and recommendations for the oral health community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kentucky Youth Advocates Virtual Forum | Health Care, Access, and Equity
Kentucky Youth Advocates hosted a virtual forum on April 22, 2020 that addressed health care, health access, and health equity for kids and families in the wake of COVID-19. Panelists include: Lisa Lee, Commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Medicaid Services; Veronica Cecil, Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky; Dr. Donna Grigsby, UK Healthcare Pediatrics; and Dr. Nikki Stone, UK North Fork Valley Community Health Center.
Resources for Advocates and Community Members
Kentucky Youth Advocates COVID-19 Resources
As the watchdog for Kentucky kids, Kentucky Youth Advocates is monitoring policy developments, collaborating with state and national partners, and communicating with decision-makers to help Kentucky through the COVID-19 crisis. Now, perhaps more than ever, Kentuckians are relying on state and federal leaders to prioritize kids, and organizations that work with families must rely on one another.
Resources include
Kosair Charities Face It Movement Resources
Whether you are a parent or caregiver–or someone who wants to lend a helping hand to families in our community–check out these ideas for reducing stress, managing the chaos at home, and having fun with your family. Learn More at faceitabuse.org
