Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

What’s New 9/9/2021

WyDHA is aware of the most recent statement made by the ADHA regarding their support of mandatory vaccines. WyDHA is here to focus on the safety of our patients and colleagues. We support personal decisions to get vaccinated or not but we will not take a side on mandates.

What’s New? 8/7/2020

On August 4, 2020, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released revised, “Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings
During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.” Key points of the guidance:

• Recognize dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations.

• Prioritize the most critical dental services and provide care in a way that minimizes harm to patients from delaying care and harm to personnel and patients from potential exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The revisions made substantive changes to the guidance, including updated the definition of fever to either measured temperature ≥100.0°F or subjective fever to align with CDC’s larger body of work related to COVID-19. Also, the revisions added language that protective eyewear (e.g., safety glasses, trauma glasses) with gaps between glasses and the face likely do not protect eyes from all splashes and sprays and the revisions included additional guidance on physical distancing and how to respond to SARS-CoV-2 exposures among DHCP and other.

Additionally, in areas with moderate to substantial community transmission, during patient encounters with patients not suspected of SARS-CoV-2 infection, CDC recommends that dental healthcare personnel (DHCP):

• Wear eye protection in addition to their facemask to ensure the eyes, nose, and mouth are all protected from exposure to respiratory secretions during patient care encounters, including those where splashes and sprays are not anticipated.

• Use an N95 respirator or a respirator that offers an equivalent or higher level of protection during aerosol generating procedures.

You may view the complete CDC Interim Guidance for Dental Settings here.

Regulations, recommendations and mandates regarding the safe practice of dentistry and dental hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic vary widely from state-to-state. This state-by-state list includes the latest updates on recommendations and mandates in your area, as well as how they impact our professions.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and ADHA will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.

A Readiness to Return to Work Checklist is provided at the end of this document to help you determine if it is appropriate for you to return to work. Professional judgment should be exercised.

For further resources please review the ADHA Interim Guidance on Returning to Work.

https://www.adha.org/resources-docs/ADHA_TaskForceReport.pdf

Click button below for the WyDHA event calendar for 2020.

Past Events

These events allowed fellow Dental Hygienists to pursue continuing education, contribute to their communities, and network with one another. Lifelong friendships have been made, many skills have been acquired, and Wyoming communities have been enriched due to these events. Please send photos to info@wydha.org of your office attending such events and be featured on this page in the future.

WyDHA Promotions

The Kroger Co. Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to the local neighborhoods we call home. Our stores are on a mission to go beyond being a part of the community to also helping create a stronger community. We recognize that every community is different and has unique causes that need support. Smith's Food & Drug launched Inspiring Donations, July 1stof this year, to give customers the opportunity to donate to local causes that matter to them.

www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/Because your total quarterly contribution is less than $25, which is the minimum check amount, you will not be receiving a check at this time. This amount will be held and combined with your next quarter's contribution total until your contribution amount exceeds $25. At the time your total contribution reaches $25, or the end of the program term (06/30/2018), whichever comes first, your organization will then receive a check. If you have any questions, please email SmithsInspiringDonations@sfdc.com or visit our website at https://www.smithsfoodanddrug.com/.

As a reminder, Smith's Food & Drug donates .5% of every eligible purchase made by participants to the organization their rewards card is linked to. The amount outlined above is the first quarter of funds earned through Inspiring Donations and there is room to grow your donations! We encourage you to ask your supporters to link their rewards card to your organization. Inspiring Donations is easy to understand and easy to explain! The more your supporters shop with us, the more money your organization will earn!

Thank you for being such an important organization in our community,

Inspiring Donations Staff.

NEWS

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! This month-long national health observance is brought to you by the ADA and brings together professionals, healthcare providers, and educators in order to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. 

This year's NCDHM campaign slogan is "Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile"
​
Visit the website for further information, contacts, activities, and a program plan guide. 
 https://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/national-childrens-dental-health-month

Infection Control Compliance