The task force will be comprised of members of relevant AAO Councils, including the Council on Governmental Affairs, the Council on Scientific Affairs, and the Council on Orthodontic Practice. The task force will also include outside subject matter experts on relevant topics, such as infectious diseases, infection control, and office design. The goal of the COVID-19 task force will be to compile a set of “best practices” that protect patients, staff and orthodontists, which can be proposed to federal and state agencies considering these subjects. At the same time, the task force will also seek to ensure that regulations not applicable to orthodontic practices are not imposed on orthodontic practices. For instance, aerosols are an important consideration for general dentistry (due to use of such items as high-speed handpieces and water spray), but for the most part are not a consideration for orthodontic practices.
