COVID-19
COVID-19 Preparation and Considerations
In the coming weeks it is especially important that oral health providers take extra precautions to protect themselves and their patients. We will continue to update this page with relevant information. If you or your organization has relevant information, questions, or comments, please email Brady Blackburn at brady.blackburn@foundationhli.org.
Current NC COVID-19 Count
1,985 new cases reported on April 29, 2021
Source: NCDHHS
Quick Navigation
- NEW NC Medicaid Special Bulletin
- The Ethical Imperative
- Provider Site Access Map
- UNC Adams School Oral Health Hotline
- Non-Surgical Caries Management Approaches Guidance
- ADA Teledentistry Coding and Billing Guidance
- Provider Webinars
- ADA Guidance for Dentists
- Government Information
- En Español
- Financial Assistant Resources
COVID-19 Provider Site Access Map
Oral health service sites have been advised to remain open only for emergency services at this time. The practice sites on this map are options for North Carolinians with urgent oral health needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. If a patient is already established with a dental provider, we recommend that they follow up with that provider to discuss urgent appointment options first.
(Click the icon on the top left corner of the map for an interactive legend.)
If the map does not load on your device, click here.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
This map was produced and is maintained by NCOHC, a program of the Foundation for Health Leadership and Innovation. All information about clinic status and hours is subject to change as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold. If you notice any information that needs to be updated, please email NCOHCInfo@Foundationhli.org with the subject line: Oral Health Access Map Update. To see the data set for this map, click here
North Carolina Oral Health Hotline: (919) 537-3088
During COVID-19, oral health care offices have been instructed to postpone elective, non-urgent procedures at this time. In an effort to help assist communities access care for urgent treatment and to limit the use of emergency departments for oral health issues, the UNC Adams School of Dentistry has launched an oral health helpline. Monday through Friday, 8-5, patients in North Carolina can call (919) 537-3088 to speak with a provider. After business hours, patients with urgent concerns can call (919) 537-3364.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Oral Health Care Provider Preparedness
NC Medicaid Special Bulletin COVID-19 #119
Updated on August 5, 2020
To minimize disruptions in patient care for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Carolina Division of Health Benefits has extended its special bulletin outlining temporary clinical policy revisions that allow dentists to provide additional services to Medicaid patients.
CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Dental Settings
Updated on June 17, 2020
The CDC has released an updated guidance to help providers navigate safety precautions and infection control in the dental office.
NC Medicaid Special Bulletin on Telehealth and Dental Services During COVID-19
UPDATED on April 13, 2020
The North Carolina Division of Health Benefits has published an updated special bulletin outlining temporary modifications for the use of teledentistry during COVID-19. The updates apply to the use of both synchronous and asynchronous teledental services, and the bulletin outlines diagnostic codes to accompany D9995 and D9996. Additionally, the bulletin outlines the addition of D0999 for audio-only encounters between a dentist and patient that do not result in a diagnosis.
The Ethical Imperative
Posted on April 17, 2020
Amidst uncertain times, strain occurs across the health care sector, from patient to provider. However, we all know it’s crucial that ethics are upheld even during these stressful and unprecedented times. The American Dental Association has released ethical practice reminders to assist providers as they navigate COVID-19.
Online Continuing Education Opportunities
Posted on April 17, 2020
As we navigate COVID-19, remote work, and social distancing, many of us are finding ourselves with extra time home from work. If you are looking for ways to stay productive, brush up on your skills, or learn something new, check out these continuing education opportunities.
Non-Surgical Caries Management Approaches
Posted on April 7, 2020
See the latest guidance from UNC dentistry professors on approaches to caries management that minimize the use of aerosol-producing handpieces and 3-way air water syringes to increase provider safety during the COVID-19 crisis.
American Dental Assocation Guide on Teledentistry Coding and Billing During COVID-19
Posted on March 24, 2020
Click here to access the ADA’s coding and billing guide for teledental visits during COVID-19. The guide will be updated and modified as new information becomes available.
Academy of General Dentistry Resources
Posted on March 20, 2020
AGD has posted this COVID-19 resource page for dental practices. It includes resource links, safety precaution considerations, and tips to help limit exposure to COVID-19 in the dental office.
Provider Webinar Series Every Friday
Posted March 20, 2020
North Carolina Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) is partnering with the Division of Public Health (DPH) to host weekly forums connecting providers with public health experts. Subject matter experts from DPH will provide a quick update on new developments and will then respond to questions received before or during the forum.
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When |
Every Friday from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. |
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Computer Access |
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Dial-In Access |
+1.646.558.8656 | access code: 705 979 628 |
Please email any questions you have ahead of time to questionsCOVID19forum@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the call.
Please note that questions can be submitted during the forums, but they can only be submitted using the Q&A function through the computer webinar access link above.
The forums will be recorded and made available to the public. We will post a link to access past forums when it is available.
NCDHHS Guidance for Providers
Posted March 18, 2020
NCDHHS has published this guidance for health care providers, hospitals, and laboratories and this guidance for local health departments.
Dental Practice Guidance from the ADA and NCSBDE
Posted March 17, 2020
The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners has issued this statement asking all dental providers to 1) implement the best possible sterilization practices for operatories and waiting rooms, and 2) postpone elective procedures and non-urgent care for two weeks beginning on March 17, 2020.
The American Dental Association has likewise recommended that oral health care providers suspend non-urgent care to help limit the spread of COVID-19. The ADA’s guidance suggest postponing elective procedures for three weeks.
NY Times Article on Most At Risk Professions
Posted March 17, 2020
The New York Times published an article on March 15, 2020, detailing which workers and professions face the greatest risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19. Health care workers in general, and oral health care providers especially—because of their close contact with patients’ saliva and the use of aerosol-producing equipment—ranked near the top of that list.
State and Federal Government Information
NCDHHS Guidance and Information
Posted March 17, 2020
For the latest information from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, click here. This page will include the latest briefings and updates to the executive order from Governor Cooper’s office as well as guidances, news releases, and Spanish language information.
Federal Government Guidance and Information
Posted March 17, 2020
The Federal government has published this webpage with guidance for best practices to stay healthy, updates on travel restrictions, and information about government agencies and their work to respond to COVID-19. To reach the government’s full guidance on personal health and safety, go directly to coronavirus.gov.
For Patients and the Public
UNC Virtual Oral Health Care Helpline
Posted March 24, 2020
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry has launched a virtual hotline for patients with oral health care needs to speak with a provider from home. The hotline will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Patients can call (919) 537-3088 to speak with an oral health care provider. After regular business hours, patients with urgent needs can call (919) 537-3364.
Patients with Upcoming Appointments
Posted March 17, 2020
If you have an upcoming non-urgent appointment with your dental provider, we recommend that you reach out to your dental provider to discuss the best course of scheduling.
En Español
Posted March 17, 2020
- Respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes
- Respuesta del Gobierno ante el coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Nuevo coronavirus 2019 (2019-nCoV): Qué necesita saber
- Coronavirus en Español – El Departamento de Salud Pública del Condado de Chatham
Financial Assistance Resources
Posted March 17, 2020
Beyond the dental office, many in North Carolina and across the country are going to experience significant hardships in the coming weeks. Here are a few resources for personal and financial assistance:
- How to apply for unemployment assistance in North Carolina
- NCDHHS Coronavirus Call Center: 866-462-3821
- Find a food bank near you
We will continue to update this website with relevant information.
