Pentagon resumes allowing elective surgeries and dental procedures

Active duty and retired military personnel now can have some elective surgeries and health procedures, the Pentagon announced Thursday, as coronavirus restriction continue to ease. The procedures can be done if local health conditions allow, and include both inpatient and outpatient procedures, plus dental work.

The new directive aligns with the administration’s Opening Up American Again plan, the Pentagon said. 

On March 24, all elective surgeries were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“This policy was in keeping with an Executive Order to apply critical medical resources (medical staff and equipment) where they are most needed, and reduce COVID-19 exposure risk to DOD medical staff and beneficiaries,” the Pentagon wrote in a fact sheet.

The new directive allows medical commanders to decide whether to allow the medical procedures and dental work. Deciding factors include staffing levels, and whether enough personal protective equipment is available.