Maine dentists can now reopen their practices.
Last week, the state’s Department of Health and Human Services announced it would rely on guidance from the American Dental Association by Monday if the U.S. CDC had not updated recommendations that only allowed emergency treatment.
Dr. Brad Rand of the Maine Dental Association says many dentists plan to reopen within the next two weeks, but primarily to see patients with time-sensitive needs.
“I don’t think you’re going to find there are practices rushing back and trying to open up so they can provide bleaching, for example,” he says.
Rand says patients should expect to see extra precautions at their dentists’ office to ensure safety. He says patients with questions about those precautions should call their dental office.
"And as they ask those questions, I think they're going to find that they are safe, but they also can feel safe going back to their dental providers again," he says.
Updated May 19, 2020 at 12:38 p.m. ET.
