On December 27, 2021 the CDC shortened its isolation and quarantine time period for the general population and updated its Return-to-Work Guidance for Health Care Professionals (HCPs), including dentists.  While there may be some initial confusion over recent interpretations of the CDC’s guidance issued by the American Dental Association (ADA) and Georgia Department of Public Health (GA DPH), GDA staff has determined that all current guidance appears to be consistent when interpreted within the context of the CDC’s current Return to Work Strategies for HCPs.     

The CDC’s three return to work strategies are  conventional, contingent, and crisis. Based on the CDC’s current parameters, it appears contingent and crisis strategies should only be used in healthcare facilities like hospitals and nursing homes experiencing HCP shortages. The recommendations below represent the conventional return to work strategy which are likely more  applicable for most dental offices.

• Regardless of vaccination status, HCPs with COVID infection can return to work under the following circumstances if they are asymptomatic or have improving symptoms:
• 10 days have passed since the initial infection (no test required)
• 7 days have passed have passed since the initial infection WITH a negative test
• Boosted individuals with COVID exposure who are asymptomatic can return to work under the following circumstances:
• No work restrictions with a negative test on day 5 and 7 after exposure
• Vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with COVID exposure who are asymptomatic can return to work under the following circumstances:
• 10 days have passed since the initial infection (no test required)
• 7 days have passed with a negative test

These recommendations are provided for general health care providers, and are not specific to the dental setting. The CDC recommends frequently checking local transmission rates and monitoring any local ordinances. The GDA will continue to monitor for updates from the  CDC, GA DPH, Georgia Board of Dentistry, and the ADA and report to the membership.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS ADVISORY IS BEING PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR LEGAL ADVICE FROM A GEORGIA LICENSED ATTORNEY.

Please contact the GDA’s Director of Health Policy, Emma Paris, at emma@gadental.org if you have additional questions about this GDA Member Advisory

FAQ

When can staff return to work if they have tested positive for COVID but remains asymptomatic?

At least 7 days if a negative antigen or NAAT (PCR) is obtained within 48 hours prior to returning to work (or 10 days if testing is not performed or a positive test at day 5-7) have passed since the date of their first positive viral test.

When can staff return to work if they have a high risk exposure, like a patient or member of the household, to an individual who is positive for COVID?

If the received all COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses (as recommended and defined by the CDC), has tested negative, and remains asymptomatic, they can return to work immediately.

If the staff has not received all COVID-19 vaccine and booster doses, they can return to work after day 7 following the exposure (day 0) if a viral test is negative for COVID, and they do not develop symptoms OR after day 10 following the exposure (day 0) if they do not develop symptoms if no testing is completed. The CDC recommends that healthcare facilities (including, but not specifically, dental offices) should obtain a negative test within 48 hours of returning to work.

CDC Return to Work Guidance (updated 12/23/21)

Isolation and Quarantine Guidelines (updated 1/4/22)

Strategies to Mitigate Healthcare Personnel Staffing Shortages (updated 12/23/21)