Santa Cruz County dentists told to only provide urgent, emergent services for now

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said dentists should only perform urgent and emergency dental services until more guidelines are established.

In Santa Cruz County's Shelter in Place order, Newel advised health care providers to defer to state directives. Gov. Newsom announced that healthcare would be opening for non-emergency services, but guidelines following that did not include dental services.

The county's Public Health Division is waiting for more dental care guidelines from the California Department of Public Health and said they should be released soon.

“I am relying on our healthcare system colleagues, including dentists, to utilize their best clinical judgement in interpreting the State directives and guidance as they reopen their offices. It is important that social distancing
requirements and protocols are followed. Dental cleanings should not happen at this time, even if adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available,” Newel said.