The Board of Dentistry recommends the following actions to comply with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services' directive that all non-emergency dental procedures be postponed: 

• Treat only patients requiring essential dental procedures.
• Postpone elective dental treatment and procedures. How long? We don't know. The Dept. of Public Health will be working with the Governor's Office to make that determination.
  
• Reserve personal protective equipment (PPE) for emergency dental situations. This action will also preserve the limited supply of PPE so it can be used for urgent and more complex medical care that will be needed in the healthcare system.
• When implementing these measures, communicate the importance of the health and safety of your patients, the dental team, and the community.
  

If you see patients in an emergency capacity, consider these measures:

• Pre-screen patients by phone prior to the visit by asking about any potential exposure to known COVID-19 patients and current health. Specific COVID-19 symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. If the patient reports these symptoms, refer them to their primary care physician, local health department, or the COVID-19 Hotline at (800) 722-5725
• When possible, ask patients to remain in their cars instead of coming into the reception area. Notify them by cell phone when their treatment room is ready.
• Close off your waiting room to patients. Remove seating, reading materials, toys, etc.
• Take the temperature of all patients immediately upon arrival. Consider doing this outside your office, if possible.
• Have patients wash hands in the operatory and rinse their mouths with 1% hydrogen peroxide solution. If at all possible, complete procedures using a rubber dam or similar device.
• If treatment is necessary, please consider procedures that do not require extensive (or any) use of a three-way syringe. Use High Velocity Evacuation as much as possible. Use temporary procedures until we get past this outbreak. 
• Clean and disinfect public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs and bathrooms.

Additional Resources on Kentucky's COVID-19 Response

Teledentistry Regulation: Public Comments Due March 31

Do You Have a KOG Account?

Prescribers in Kentucky must be able to access KASPER via the new secure Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) portal to be compliant with current regulations. Prescribing dentists are encouraged to register for a KOG account as soon as possible. If you have questions, contact the KOG Help Desk at 502-564-0104 or KOGhelpdesk@ky.gov.

Click on the button below to download the status update for new dentist and dental hygienist license applicants.