From AAOMS President Victor L. Nannini, DDS, FACS
The article below is quoted directly from an AAOMS membership email: “Interim message from the AAOMS President: Special Committee develops reopening protocol.”
To assist our members with resuming their practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, AAOMS has developed an Interim Reopening Protocol for the OMS Office. (You’ll need to log into the AAOMS Website to view it.)
The new Special Committee on Recovery and Response to the Pandemic – comprised of leaders from a cross-section of our country – created this resource to share guidance to protect patients, staff and surgeons as states reopen and elective procedures resume.
This infection control plan intends to allow for a safe and cautious return to practice based on the best information available. The Special Committee is striving to develop meaningful and relevant information while considering both private practice and academic institutions, and I believe it did so by preparing this protocol.
The resource covers recommended environmental control measures, recommended facility modifications and protocol for operative procedures, including elective ambulatory anesthesia services. With numerous helpful lists, the protocol takes into account office criteria, PPE, postop room cleaning and special considerations.
Please note this information is for guidance only. Our members should use their best professional judgment while adhering to government guidance, local and state laws and regulations as well as recommendations from state dental associations.
As the comprehensive protocol notes: “During these uncertain times, principles of infectious disease epidemiology must guide. Where available, AAOMS recommendations are supported by the best possible evidence and, where such evidence does not exist, they are founded in sound scientific rationale with the support of a group of surgeons of a broad spectrum of experience.
First and foremost, these recommendations are made with an abundance of caution to preserve the health and safety of patients and team members.”
The pandemic has significantly affected our practices, and we hope this protocol provides a valuable resource during this difficult time. I thank the Special Committee for its hard work and the Committee on Anesthesia and OMSNIC for their assistance with the protocol. And you for your attention to this vital matter.
The above article is quoted directly from an AAOMS membership email: “Interim message from the AAOMS President: Special Committee develops reopening protocol.”