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On September 3, 2009, the Institute of Medicine issued recommendations that had been requested by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that the use loose paper masks are deemed inadequate because the H1N1 virus could pass through and put healthcare workers at risk.

The recommendation for healthcare workers is to switch to the N95 respirator, which forms an airtight seal around the nose and mouth.

The key issue with this switch will be the proper fitting and how the mask is worn. If properly used, the new mask filters out over 95% of the particulate matter (down to 0.3 micrometers – smaller than a virus).

The Institute of Medicine provides independent, evidence-based advice to the healthcare industry, key leaders, health professionals, and the public.

It remains to be seen whether the CDC, OSHA, or other governing organizations will issue binding requirements for the dental profession. If they do, we can probably expect a shortage, similar to the latex glove shortage of the 1980’s.
This is a time more than any other when health professionals must keep abreast of the current regulations.

Learn more here: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1.html.

Dr. Donald Cohen has been a licensed, practicing dentist in New York State for over 30 years. He has more than 20 years of teaching experience at Columbia University SDOS and the same length of experience as an Attending Dentist at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. Dr. Cohen is past president of the New York State Society of Dentistry for Children and is currently Director of Compliance for Health Compliance Team Inc., a national compliance company delivering seminars and total on-site solutions to dental offices. Additionally, he is a consultant to Henry Schein Inc. for practice transitions and compliance.
www.healthcomplianceteam.com
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