What Are Your Options If You Are Fearful of Returning to Direct Patient Care?

As dental practices in many states begin to reopen for elective procedures, many dental hygienists are wondering whether it’s safe to provide oral health care when widespread testing for COVID-19 has yet to become available. For those who deem it too dangerous to return to clinical practice at this juncture, there are some options. Dental hygienists may be able to seek protection under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which allows employees to decline to work if they feel workplace conditions would cause them significant and immediate harm. The National Labor Relations Act protects workers who go on strike for unsafe working conditions from being terminated. Through the end of the year, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act enables workers to take 2 weeks of paid sick leave if they have COVID-19 or are in quarantine. For those with high vulnerability to the novel coronavirus, the Americans With Disabilities Act may require employers to make special considerations. Read more here.

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