ADA Masking Toolkit Clarification

Mar 4, 2022
The ADA recently released a toolkit on indoor masking in dental practice public spaces. The toolkit covers CDC masking recommendations for patients and the general public and acknowledges that dentists must still comply with statewide and local masking requirements. In Washington state, masks are still required in health care facilities such as hospitals, long term care settings, and dental offices.

The ADA recently released a toolkit on indoor masking in dental practice public spaces. The toolkit covers CDC masking recommendations for patients and the general public and acknowledges that dentists must still comply with statewide and local masking requirements.

While the state of Washington has revised its statewide mask mandate for most indoor spaces including schools, grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and gyms, masks are still required in health care facilities  such as hospitals, long term care settings, and dental offices. 

Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s masking requirement for health care workers is still in effect, meaning members of the dental workforce must remain masked.

Lastly, per the Department of Labor and Industries, respirators will also continue to be required for all health care workers, including dentists and their staff.

For more information on COVID-19, please visit the WSDA COVID-19 resource page.