ALERT: Treatment Permitted in Dental Offices
In an effort to clarify the scope of dental practice permitted under the Executive Orders issued by Governor Philip D. Murphy to address the current COVID-19 pandemic, the NJDA has been working cooperatively with the Governor’s administration and is pleased to report confirmation of its receipt of the following guidance.
Contrary to some rumors, dental offices were neither forced to be closed nor deemed to be non-essential. In addition, the Governor never intended to prevent patients from receiving necessary dental treatment. The only requirement the administration issued was a suspension of the performance of elective surgeries or invasive procedures on adults that could be reasonably delayed. The purpose of the Orders was to protect vital PPE and to slow the spread of the virus. The Governor did not prohibit dental procedures which, in the exercise of proper discretion by the treating dentist, could not be delayed without undue risk to the current or future health of the patient.
The NJDA thanks Governor Murphy and his entire team for their assistance in clarifying this matter and for their ongoing relationship with organized dentistry.
