Texas Report – May 2020

On March 22, 2020, in line with Governor Greg Abbott’s mandate, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) adopted measures to suspend all elective care unless it was, “immediately medically necessary to correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without immediate performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death, as determined by the patient’s physician. As referenced in the Governor’s Mandate, “PROVIDED, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to any procedure that, if performed in accordance with the commonly accepted standard of clinical practice, would not deplete the hospital capacity or the personal protective equipment needed to cope with the COVID19 disaster.”

The TSBDE directed dentists to follow CDC guidelines regarding elective dental procedures. They advised that each licensee should use their best professional judgement when making decisions about patient care. This mandate was lifted on April 22, 2020. Essentially, dental offices were allowed to remain open for emergency procedures only during this time.

• On April 20, 2020 the executive order was extended through May 8, 2020. The same restrictions regarding emergency procedures were left in place.
• On April 30, 2020 another Governor’s Mandate was issued, and the TSBDE responded by adopting an amendment to the Dental Practice Act in response to the COVID-19 disaster declaration. The amendment details minimum standards for safe practice during the COVID Disaster and these standards can be referenced by visiting TSBDE.texas.gov.

At this time, dental offices may see patients for routine care but must conduct a pre-screen for COVID 19 by phone. Appointments must be scheduled apart to minimize contact with other patients. Dental care providers within 6 feet any procedures likely to involve aerosols must wear N-95 respirator masks, KN-95 masks, or their substantial equivalent.

The TSBDE’s worked with the Governor’s team to interpret the mandates and make amendments to the Texas Dental Practice Act. The Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry sent out email blasts to inform pediatric dentists about mandates and rule changes, while referencing the AAPD re-emergence checklists for re-opening our practices.