Flu Season Alert: Vaccinate or Mask – What Dental Teams Need to Know
Hello Dental Professionals,
Flu season is here — and in dentistry, prevention matters. Because aerosols and close contact make transmission easy, influenza can quickly move through your team and your schedule. A strong vaccination policy protects patients, staff, and your bottom line.
🦠 Why It Matters
Infection prevention doesn’t stop at COVID-19. The flu remains one of the top causes of workplace disruption and patient cancellations. A proactive plan keeps your practice healthy and running smoothly.
📜 San Diego County Public Health Order
Under the San Diego County HHSA order, dental health care personnel must either:
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Receive the seasonal influenza vaccine or
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Wear a mask in all patient-care areas for the duration of flu season.
This rule applies to everyone who enters patient-care areas — dentists, hygienists, assistants, and even admin staff who step into clinical zones.
✅ Action Steps for Your Office
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Set your policy: Vaccine-or-mask or vaccine-required.
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Collect documentation: Proof of vaccination or signed declination forms.
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Educate your team: Clarify who must vaccinate or mask.
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Track compliance: Maintain a simple roster for inspection.
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Reinforce PPE: Have masks available for unvaccinated staff.
🗂️ Keep These on File
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Staff vaccination roster
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Copies of records or declinations
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Written flu policy
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Communication to staff
💡 How Dental Ed Can Help
We’ve created a Flu Season Packet that includes:
✔ Ready-to-use policy
✔ Vaccination roster template
✔ Declination form
✔ Masking signage
👉 Reply “Send flu packet” to this newsletter and we’ll email it to you.
💬 Final Thought
You handle the patients — we’ll handle the protocols.
Let’s keep your team safe, your patients protected, and your office inspection-ready this flu season.
Until next time,
— Joyce Weeks
Owner | Lead Educator
Dental Ed, Inc.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 760-930-9401
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