Over and above Governor Wolf’s “life-sustaining” business restrictions during this COVID-19 event, there are also restrictions on emergency dental work, this isn’t for routine check ups, this applies when the pain is unbearable and you need a dental procedure right now.
Dentists in PA must cease all dental treatment except emergencies within the provided guidelines:
- All personnel must follow proper protocol when donning and doffing personal protective equipment (PPE).
- All personnel must use N95 masks or higher; goggles or a face-shield covering face and sides; disposable gowns and gloves.
- Treatment must be provided in negative pressure isolation rooms with HEPA filtration.
Is there a dentist in Erie County with a negative pressure isolation room available for emergency dental work? Is there one anywhere in the entire state?
This isn’t a mistake, they even admit it in the PA Department of Health notice:
Dental emergencies are likely to occur, and most dental facilities will not be able meet the stringent infection prevention and control requirements …
And then, there’s this:
If you have tele-dentistry available, we appreciate you providing this service to patients who are experiencing true emergencies related to pain/infection, as they might be treated with antibiotics and pain medication.
In other words, take some drugs and call me in the morning.
Have the rational adults in PA government been quarantined?
~ Dr. Laurence J. Peter
