Information Related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry and the entire University of Maryland Baltimore campus are closely monitoring the rapidly changing developments involving Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are in constant contact with and adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines about COVID-19. We ask that our patients and members of the School of Dentistry community take note of the following information.

  • Face masks for patients and visitors are optional in all public areas of the UMSOD such as waiting rooms and hallways.

  • Face masks for all health care providers are required in dental operatory spaces.

  • Individuals that are high-risk for COVID complications are encouraged to continue masking.

    When a mask is required, it must be worn in a manner that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth. Where masks are still required:

    • Patient care masking requirements are a KN95, fitted N95 masks or equivalent respirator.
    • Cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, and masks with valves are not permitted at UMB.

    For more information, please consult the UMB Policy Requiring Use of Face Coverings.  

 

Information for Patients

  • Clinic operations have resumed. The School of Dentistry has made important safety-related changes, including enhanced air filtration and disinfection protocols, that exceed CDC guidelines for dental practices to ensure the safest environment . Please continue to refer to this website for the latest updates and other announcements. 
  • Patients should be symptom-free for 10 full days before the patient can enter the School of Dentistry.
  • Otherwise, a patient may present a recent negative PCR test for admittance to the clinic. Recent test is defined as a test within the last 2 days.
  • Face masks are required in the following areas by all faculty, students, staff, and patients regardless of vaccination status:
    • Patient care and clinical areas to include patient waiting areas
    • In-person healthcare simulation labs

    When a mask is required, it must be worn in a manner that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth. Where masks are still required:
    • Patients care PPE requirements are unchanged. Fitted N95 masks or respirators remain the minimum acceptable.
    • Medical-grade, KN95 or equivalent mask are acceptable in non-patient care settings.
    • Cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, and masks with valves are not permitted at UMB.
  • If you are a patient who has traveled to a country with a CDC Level 3 Travel Notice we ask that you self-isolate at home for at least 14 days from the time that you returned to this country.
  • Patients with the flu or flu-like symptoms (fever, coughing, difficulty breathing) should not come to the dental school and should reschedule their appointments to a later date after symptoms have cleared.
  • Patient entrance is located at Baltimore and Pine Streets. There is a drop-off location between the School of Pharmacy and the courtyard.

  • Patients are NOT to have anyone come with them to their dental appointment including family, children, or person providing transport. (Please see exceptions below)

    Escort exceptions can be made for the following:

    • Interpreters for language barrier where patient does not speak English.
    • Guardians for minor children where the child is the patient.
    • Caregivers/guardian who have power of attorney to make decisions for adult patients being treated.

    If the patient is coming from a nursing home or other long-term care facilities (for example: correctional facility, group home, healthcare for the homeless), they must bring a COVID negative test within 3 days of visit to the dental school. They will need to have a negative test within 3 days of visit for every separate visit.

  • Please plan to arrive at least thirty minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to allow for new security and COVID screening protocols.
  • Patient parking is available at the Pearl Street and Grand garages. For more patient parking information, visit Driving Directions and Parking.

Information for Current and Prospective Students

  • All UMB faculty, staff, and students are required to wear a KN95 mask in patient care and clinical areas. For more information, please consult the UMB Policy Requiring Use of Face Coverings.   

    When a mask is required, it must be worn in a manner that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth. Where masks are still required:
    • Patients care PPE requirements are unchanged. Fitted N95 masks or respirators remain the minimum acceptable.
    • Medical-grade, KN95 or equivalent mask are acceptable in non-patient care settings.
    • Cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, and masks with valves are not permitted at UMB.

  • COVID-19 Student Information from Academic Affairs
  • Frequently Asked Questions from Admissions (including COVID-19 questions
  • UMB Return to Campus Guide

Information for Faculty and Staff

  • All UMB faculty, staff, and students are required to wear a KN95 mask in patient care and clinical areas. For more information, please consult the UMB Policy Requiring Use of Face Coverings.   

    When a mask is required, it must be worn in a manner that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth. Where masks are still required:

    • Patients care PPE requirements are unchanged. Fitted N95 masks or respirators remain the minimum acceptable.
    • Medical-grade, KN95 or equivalent mask are acceptable in non-patient care settings.
    • Cloth masks, bandanas, gaiters, scarves, and masks with valves are not permitted at UMB.

  • Resources for Telework
  • UMB Return to Campus Guide

 

The University of Maryland is regularly updating its Coronavirus information page with the latest information and recommendations to promote a safe and healthy environment for the university community.

Last updated: July 31, 2023