trusted source of information . The PDA formed coalitions with the PA dental schools , the PAGD , the PAPD and the PDHA along with others to organize and keep our voice as the one that was heard . WE were the leaders , the movers , the shakers to keep dentistry moving forward when no one else knew how . The DOH , the Governor and the SBOD were engaged to allow us to provide our essential healthcare . It was and continues to be an ongoing task . Without our organized dental strategy , Pennsylvania dentistry would have been rudderless .”
Dr . James Tauberg , PDA President 2020-2021
“ Organized dentistry advocated very well for dentistry , both our practices in preventing onerous regulations and in giving dentistry an equal footing in the health care field . Organized dentistry also did a good job in presenting a positive message to the media .”
Dr . David Tecosky
How did your staff handle all of the changes caused by COVID protocols ?
“ The PDA staff took most things in stride . They quickly adapted to working from home most of the time , mastered the technology needed to do things virtually that had always been in-person before , and found creative approaches to maintaining member benefits . They also responded well to completely new challenges , such as sorting out all kinds of information from sources rarely noticed before ).”
Ward Blackwell , PDA Executive Director
“ My staff looked to me and the various dental and government guidance documents to provide a safe environment for them and our patients . They readily accepted the additional PPE recommendations , social distancing requirements ( especially with patient check-in and check-out ) and extended time needed to provide care and additional disinfection of the operatories and the entire office .”
Dr . Charles Incalcaterra , PDA President 2019-2020
“ My staff handled the changes exceptionally well .” Dr . James Mancini
“ Staff and students adapted quickly to our enhanced screening and infection control protocols .”
Dr . Michael Parenti
“ I know when we first met in advance of reopening the office there was a lot of anxiety about returning and could we do what we needed to do with all the additional PPE and knowing in the back of your mind this virus could kill you . The front desk staff adjusted so well to the new normal , with the parking lot now being our waiting room and the giant Plexiglas shield that is now separating them from our patients . A much different gateway greeted them .”
Dr . Steve Radack , Editor
“ I do not think I could have ever imagined in my lifetime that with all the advancements in science and medicine a global pandemic would shut down , and then change the world as we knew it . I also could never imagine that we would all be walking around with masks on everywhere we go just like wearing shoes . I find it very concerning that the steps taken to save lives during this year have been so varied , and in a way , politicized . Either the precautions should be for all or none and based on science , not on who the governor of your state is . I am so proud to be a member of PDA / ADA and know how we have provided the best advice to our profession !
— Dr . Steve Radack , Editor
June 3 – DOH updates its Guidance on COVID-19 for Dental Health Care Personnel in Pennsylvania as part of the commonwealth ’ s phased COVID-19 reopening plan , allowing dental health care providers the ability to safely provide oral health care , including routine cleanings .
June 5 – ADA receives a first installment of 350,000 3M-made KN95 masks from national stockpile that it distributes to dentists working in states where PPE is in low supply , including Pennsylvania .
MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 21