Increasingly, Maine's dental professionals are witnessing first-hand the impact this extended closure is having on Mainers. Teeth that may have required a filling now need a root canal. Teeth that needed a root canal and crown are now fractured to a point where they require extraction. Children with what was a minor issue six weeks ago are now unnecessarily experiencing pain.

While dentists were appropriately included in Phase 1 of the "Restarting Maine's Economy” Plan, the plan requires that dental practices follow US CDC recommendations which limit treatment to emergency care.

The CDC document, "Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response” is exactly what the title reflects: limited in scope, location and time. These are national recommendations for a crisis period.

The CDC document clearly states that “DHCP (Dental Health Care Providers) should regularly consult their state dental boards or other regulating agencies for requirements specific to their jurisdictions, as information is changing rapidly.”

Dental practices in 39 states are currently open for routine and preventative dental care and, with the exception of 3 states including Maine, all other states have tentatively scheduled reopening of dentistry prior to the end of May. Dental practices in neighboring New England states anticipate reopening on or before May 20th.

Clearly the vast majority of states are NOT relying on CDC recommendations in order for dental practices to begin treating patients again. Maine’s dental professionals need Maine specific guidance.

The Maine Dental Association has established a Task Force including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and denturists and together this committee developed comprehensive guidelines for the Safe Re-Opening of Dental Practices following best practices compiled by the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygienists Association.

It’s time to allow Maine’s dental professionals to go back to work and ensure that Maine people have access to adequate, necessary and timely oral health care.