As state economies reopen, dental hygienists are returning to work and face uncertain risks to their health and safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) considers routine tasks associated with dentistry to be at very high risk of exposure to COVID-19.
The U.S. House of Representatives has introduced the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act, a $3 trillion proposal which includes a new stimulus check, hazard pay for essential workers, increased worker safety provisions, and more. A one page summary on the legislation is available here.
Congress needs to hear your concerns about PPE and the risks you face providing care to patients, including the need for hazard pay and increased worker safety. ADHA has launched a campaign to amplify the voices of dental hygienists behind this effort.
Go to ADHA’s Action Center to learn more and be a part of ADHA’s Congressional outreach!
Learn More about Brigette at NCDHA/Brigette-Easter
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Protect ALL health care workers. The Dental field is an essential in the health field and for overall health of individuals.
I’m a dental hygienist. We have PPE, but not enough to change it frequently. I sweat, in the N95, and long gown , that we can’t change, because lack of PPE. I’m just praying that I don’t get sick, and, bring the virus home to my family.
It’s scary going in to work, not knowing if I’m safe, just to do hygiene.
Here it is, mid-August, and we STILL can’t get n95s! It’s ridiculous! We wear donated kn95s which do not seal, and we’re at a high risk of contracting the virus. Help us get supplies that we need so badly!
I’ve been a full time dental hygienist for over 20 years. Clearly, I love my job!! My boss has done everything he can do to protect us. My issue is…it is not easy wearing the N95 mask all day with no breaks. It’s impossible!! Not to mention …our patients have to take their mask off so we can do our job. We work a hour inside their mouth. Inches between us. This job is extremely dangerous right now. At any point they could cough and spread this disease to us. We can wipe and spray everything down every hour but we can’t treat the air. Everyday I just pray I don’t get it and spread it to my family. My husband has been cancer free for 2 yrs now, but because of the chemo treatment he had he can no longer have straight oxygen. That alone could kill him. He is extremely high risk. I’m so worried about bringing this home and hurting those I love. We need help!!! Better ventilation! I believe we deserve higher pay. Hazardous pay!! Can we stop working and get unemployment? We were not concerned essential. I want to stop working so bad but I’m worried about my boss. I don’t want his business to go under. He is a wonderful person and boss. He doesn’t deserve this!