Why California dentists can't fix your teeth right now: The state took their face masks Read more h

[TexasTowelie]

In mid-March, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration appeared to throw a lifeline to thousands of dentists who were terrified they would have to close their offices, leaving cavities unfilled, cleanings unscheduled and dental diseases undetected.

As one of the most dangerous professions for catching airborne infections, the dentists were anxious to build a stockpile of personal protection equipment just like California’s hospitals were doing. State officials promised to deliver masks that would have helped dentists provide at least some level of basic services to patients.

“Per our phone conversation, the dental association will get 1 million N95s,” a California Department of Public Health official, Trang Nguyen, emailed to the California Dental Association, on March 13. “Please give me a confirmation later on your trucking arrangement.”

Richard Stapler, an association vice president, replied that four big rigs would arrive to pick up the masks from the state’s warehouse the following week. Stapler, who lives in Sacramento, made the drive to the Fresno warehouse himself. He watched the pallets of masks get loaded into the 53-foot-long trailers, and hauled away to his association’s distribution facility in Reno.

Read more: https://www.sacbee.com/news/politics-government/capitol-alert/article242438351.html

[SheltieLover]

1. K&R!

[BigmanPigman]

2. On March 2 I went to my dentist appointment while wearing MY mask.

I brought extras for the staff who were working close to me. The hygienist had one but my dentist didn't wear one and laughed at me. I am still pissed off about that. I asked the hygienist if they has a supply since they were going to be needed. She said they had called the mask supplier and they were limiting the numbers shipped out at that time. No one seemed alarmed in the slightest. Now they are closed down. I still have my masks (recycle them) and gloves...over 2 months and I have worn them every time I go out. We must recycle them if we can.

[demosincebirth]

3. My dentist always wore a mask and a face shield