HCW mask rules to end in California, Washington, Oregon
Starting on April 3, health-care workers in California will no longer be required to mask in indoor high-risk or health-care settings, nor to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Separately, Washington and Oregon are also dropping mask mandates on April 3 in facilities including doctors’ and dental offices for workers, patients, and visitors. Read more from Kaiser Health News.
Dentists to pay back wages to workers fired for raising Covid concerns
Two dentists who fired a dental hygienist and dental assistant for raising concerns about COVID-19 protocols at the office in 2020 have been ordered to pay the former workers some $15,700 in back wages. A news release from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) states that while on furlough, the two employees “asked what safety measures would be in place once patients and employees returned” and were eventually fired, leading to OSHA’s determination that “the employer discriminated against the employees for exercising their right to express concerns about their safety and health.”
Tax time tips
It’s that time again, and ADA News has compiled a list of tips on what dentists need to know about filing their taxes, including to gather all documents, factor in all HSAs, be aware of all deductions, and more.
OSA and Covid complications
Healio reports that adults with obstructive sleep apnea have higher risks for getting COVID-19 and experiencing related complications. The findings suggest that while many sleep clinics and labs reduced capacity during the pandemic, “diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea should be prioritized rather than halted during periods of high COVID-19 in the community to reduce this risk.”
Dental trends to watch for
In advance of the upcoming International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne, Germany, e-magazine previewed five “influential trends set to shape the future of oral health,” including regenerative dentistry, AI, smart toothbrushes, and more.
