I fully support the VDA’s letter.  I’m starting my 39th year of practice.  I’ve dealt with the hepatitis vaccine opportunity and utilized it before it was required. Same goes for the use of gloves and masks when treating patients, before HTLV 1/HIV was understood .  It also goes for the current pandemic.  We started preparing for it in late January or early February.

I was involved in the statewide pandemic planning in the mid 2000’s. I’ve also had the opportunity to visit other medical offices, a hospital and many public places in VA and NC.

Based on my training, research, observations I feel that the proposed regulations are totally unnecessary for dental practices.  While they’ll impress some people on paper they’ll actually delay emergency treatment etc. for patients, etc.  

Apparently DOLI is already swamped and this will not help them.  I’m still waiting for a callback to answer a question from about 2 months ago.  I had to go to another source for the needed information.

We are learning more all the time and the VDA and ADA are updating recommendations as soon as there is science to support it.  These proposed regulations will do nothing to support the health and safety of employees or patients.  We are on the front lines and able to make needed adjustments quickly. Don’t hinder us in protecting our employees and patients.