Dental Face Masks in California

Types of Dental Face Masks

Choosing a mask comes down to three questions: how does it fit, how does it feel on the fourth patient of the morning, and how much protection does the task need?

Earloop Masks

Earloop masks are the everyday workhorse. They go on in seconds, come off easily, and are gentle on hair and ears. The FLTR mask uses this design. They work well for routine, low-risk tasks, and higher-rated earloop versions are common for clinical work.

Tie-On Surgical Masks

Tie-on masks use upper and lower ties around the head instead of ear loops. You can tighten them for a more secure fit, so many clinicians prefer them for longer procedures or anything with more spray.

N95 Respirators for Aerosol-Generating Procedures

An N95 is a respirator, not a regular mask. When it's fitted properly, it filters at least 95% of very small airborne particles, which is why it's associated with aerosol-generating procedures and suspected airborne infections. The seal matters a lot, so employers generally need a fit-testing program alongside it.

These terms get mixed up constantly. Here's a simple way to think about them.

Always read the box. The packaging tells you what a mask was actually made and tested for. The FLTR mask falls into the first column.

In the U.S., surgical masks are classified under the ASTM F2100 standard. Manufacturers test for bacterial filtration, breathability and fluid resistance, and the results place a mask at Level 1, 2 or 3. ASTM publishes the standard and products are tested against it, rather than "certified" by ASTM.

Level 1 gives low barrier protection and suits routine care where fluid exposure is unlikely, like exams.

Level 2 adds moderate fluid resistance for situations with some spray, such as hygiene appointments with ultrasonic scalers.

Level 3 offers the highest resistance of the three and is commonly chosen for oral surgery, extractions, implant placement and other heavy-spray procedures.

California's rules set a clear expectation for clinical work. This is a practical summary, not legal advice, so check the current text with the agencies below.

Cal/OSHA Aerosol Transmissible Disease (ATD) Standard

Cal/OSHA sets workplace safety rules for healthcare employers, including the Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard (Title 8, Section 5199). How it applies depends on your practice and setting, so confirm it with Cal/OSHA. Where respirators are required, California's respiratory protection rules generally call for a written program, medical evaluation and fit testing.

When an N95 Is Required

There isn't a single rule that says "N95 for every procedure." It depends on the patient's infection status, the procedure, and your written protocols. As a general guide, N95s are linked to aerosol-generating procedures and suspected airborne infections. Your exposure control plan and Cal/OSHA guidance set the specifics.

Dental Board of California Infection Control Rules

The Dental Board's minimum infection control standards are in Title 16, Section 1005 of the California Code of Regulations. Dental healthcare personnel must wear surgical facemasks together with chin-length face shields or protective eyewear whenever aerosol spray, splashing or spattering is possible, and masks are to be changed and disposed of after each patient treatment. The current version took effect on August 20, 2011, so check the Dental Board's website for the latest wording. 

What this means in practice: for spray and splatter situations, choose a surgical mask, not a general-use mask. A general-use mask like the FLTR suits the tasks around those procedures.

Fast Delivery to California

Orders placed before 2 PM EST (11 AM PST) on business days are dispatched the same day, with delivery usually in 1–3 business days. That covers practices from Los Angeles and San Diego to San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose and Fresno.

Free Shipping Over $100 and 30-Day Returns

Orders over $100 ship free, and if something isn't right, our 30-day return policy has you covered on stocked dental supply products.

Quality-Verified Products and Expert Support

We source from vetted manufacturers, and our support team, available by phone, chat and email, knows dental supplies. Trusted by 12,000+ dental professionals. One California dentist told us, "Ordering is quick, prices are fair, and everything arrives well packed." (Dr. Sarah M., General Dentist, California)

No Minimum Order

Need a single box? That's fine. There are no order minimums and no hidden fees. Pay with Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Masks are a supply you'll reorder again and again, so we've made it easy to buy in quantity.

Volume Pricing for Multi-Location Practices and DSOs

If you're buying for several offices, volume discounts are available. Contact our team and we'll help you set up pricing that fits your volume.

Practice Accounts and Auto Reorder

Practice accounts keep your orders in one place, and Auto Order lets you schedule recurring shipments of the items you use every month, so the box never runs out mid-week.

How to Order Dental Face Masks Online in California

1. Browse and add to cart. Search by product or category and add your masks.

2. Secure checkout. Pay with your preferred method.

3. Same-day dispatch. Order before 2 PM EST (11 AM PST) on a business day and it ships that day.

4. Delivered in 1–3 days. Track your order right to your California practice.

Our Other Dental Personal Protective Equipment

Pick the right mask for each task, add it to your cart, and we'll get it moving the same day. Questions, or setting up an order for several locations? Call (559) 777-7713 or reach our team at contact@dentistry99.com.