The California Dental Association is recommending that dentists voluntarily suspend nonurgent dental care amid the COVID-19 outbreak. "CDA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in 'flattening the curve' in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus," a statement posted late Sunday on the association's website reads in part. The CDA said it is making the recommendation to cancel appointments such as cleanings and checkups after consulting with state and national public health experts. "We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic," the statement goes on to say.This does not mean you shouldn't go to the dentist if you have an emergency. If you need a tooth pulled or have an infection, the CDA said they want those services available. CDA said it recognizes the economic impact of its recommendation and said it will advocate on behalf of California dentists for economic relief packages.The association's call comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom made several sweeping recommendations on Sunday. He called for the home isolation of all seniors, as well as those with chronic conditions. Newsom also urged bars, nightclubs, brewpubs and wineries to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.| MORE | Complete coronavirus coverage

The California Dental Association is recommending that dentists voluntarily suspend nonurgent dental care amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"CDA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in 'flattening the curve' in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus," a statement posted late Sunday on the association's website reads in part.


The CDA said it is making the recommendation to cancel appointments such as cleanings and checkups after consulting with state and national public health experts.

"We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic," the statement goes on to say.

This does not mean you shouldn't go to the dentist if you have an emergency. If you need a tooth pulled or have an infection, the CDA said they want those services available.

CDA said it recognizes the economic impact of its recommendation and said it will advocate on behalf of California dentists for economic relief packages.

The association's call comes after Gov. Gavin Newsom made several sweeping recommendations on Sunday. He called for the home isolation of all seniors, as well as those with chronic conditions.

Newsom also urged bars, nightclubs, brewpubs and wineries to close to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

| MORE | Complete coronavirus coverage