Pandemic Flu and the Dental Office

Seasonal flu outbreaks occur when there are minor variations to an influenza (flu) virus. The virus spreads until humans develop immunity to the particular virus strain. A flu pandemic occurs when a new strain of an influenza virus, such as H1N1 or avian, spreads quickly among humans who have little or no existing immunity to the new virus strain. This lack of immunity can cause more illnesses and potentially more deaths.

During a widespread flu or other infectious disease outbreak, dental offices need to be prepared to minimize the risk of transmission of the disease, as well as to answer possible questions related to how they will manage the pandemic.

CDA has compiled a list of web resources on influenza and has created a pandemic plan to guide your dental offices in caring for patients and maintaining business continuity of dental practices.

Check back regularly for further updates on the H1N1 flu virus. In addition, contact your provincial or territorial dental association for further influenza updates and pandemic planning resources. For issues of a regulatory nature, please contact your provincial or territorial dental regulator.

Pandemic Flu Web Resources
CDA Pandemic Plan
JCDA Questions and Answers on H1N1 Influenza

Top of page