In what way ( s ) has organized dentistry shone brightest during the past year ?
“ Getting PDA members back to work fairly swiftly after they were shut down was huge . That was closely followed by the provision of detailed information ( toolkits ) that enabled dentists to get back to work in compliance with all the pandemic guidelines , as well as the advocacy that got dentists moved to the 1A category for vaccinations and assistance navigating the unwieldy system ( back in January ) for getting them .”
Ward Blackwell , PDA Executive Director
“ There is a myriad of meaningful ways in which organized dentistry shone during this pandemic to the benefit of the entire profession , not just our members , and the patients that we serve . From the Return to Work Interim Tool Kit , to our varied advocacy efforts in Washington , D . C . with Congress ( CARES Act ) and FEMA ( No . 4 ranking on the PPE priority list ), to HPI ’ s economic impact data , to vaccine resources and media coverage , the ADA was the trusted voice for sound , scientific information for the public and the profession . The tremendous work done by the ADA has been recognized with the awarding of a Silver Stevie ® Award in the category of the Most Valuable Non-Profit
COVID-19 Response , selected from more than 3,800 entries . ( Stevie ® awards are given by the Annual American Business Awards , the nation ’ s premiere business awards program .) The judges who reviewed all that the ADA had done during this past year noted the ‘ exceptional reach and scope ’ of our efforts and the fact that the ADA ‘ helped dentists stay open safely .’ The response of the ADA , PDA and our districts and locals was a bright beacon , guiding us to safe harbor and rescuing us from the threat posed by the pandemic to our health and livelihoods . We can all be justifiably proud of the response of organized dentistry to the COVID crisis .”
Dr . Linda Himmelberger , ADA Third District Trustee
“ At the PDA level , we rallied our members and led the fight against the DOH shutdown . With constant pressure from PDA and the coalition we formed , along with individual acts , we were able to convince DOH that emergency dental procedures and dental clearances for patients undergoing advanced medical care could be provided again . This was a partial victory , and we fought hard to open up dentistry again to full capacity , which was achieved in late May 2020 . The ADA was instrumental in educating our members about PPP and EIDL loans , and lead the reopening of dental offices with guidance documents . The ADA fought for us on the federal level , helping to provide PPE to our offices and showed the value of being a member of organized dentistry .” Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA President 2019-2020
April 27 – ADA Advisory Task Force on Dental Practice Recovery develops Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit to help dentists return to more normal practice operations while protecting staff , patients and themselves from COVID-19 .
May 1 – PDA and Pennsylvania COVID-19 Dental Coalition issue recommendations to DOH for reopening of dental practices .
May 8 – DOH issues Revised Guidance on COVID-19 for Dental Health Care Personnel in Pennsylvania , allowing dentists to provide non-emergency care .
MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 19