Covid-19 Impact on Pennsylvania ’ s Dental Community
COVID-19 Timeline
Do you see silver linings from weathering the storm of COVID-19 ?
“ I believe the silver lining is that our profession has always been on the forefront of protecting both the staff and the patient every day and now everyone knows that . We changed how we practiced when HIV / AIDS reared its ugly head and we treat every person the same no matter what their health history .”
Dr . Steve Radack , Editor
“ Like everyone , I ’ m ready for it to end . But I think wearing masks in public places and social distancing may stay with many . Many cultures wear masks , social distance as a courtesy to other people to avoid infecting them . Initial research reports indicate that the drop in infection rates of influenza , upper respiratory infections , possibly middle ear infections and other communicable diseases in the past year may be a result of our COVID-19 precautions .”
Dr . Peter Ross , President , PAPD
“ Definitely . Dentistry , as a whole , has proven that we are experts in infection control that can adapt and quickly pivot to provide care in a safe environment . Additionally , great strides were made in telehealth to increase access to care . Many people have learned to not ‘ sweat the small stuff ’ and adopted an attitude of gratitude . We appreciate each other more . The pandemic impacted all of us and I feel it has grown our sense of community . So many of us have been given a reminder to plan for the best , be prepared for the worst and create opportunities to shine when facing a crisis .”
Linda Straub-Bruce , RDH , BSEd , PHDHP , President , PDHA
“ I appreciate the role organized dentistry played to help us all weather the worst of a pandemic . The PDA and our parent ADA were / are the beacon of light that made our profession a leader in safety and healthcare . The silver lining is that we tend to underappreciate what seems so superfluous until we really see the need to be a part of the greater good . The PDA proved why being part of an organization that has your back and is the largest group that gets the most attention . There are so many wonderful things that our PDA / ADA membership provides , and the list is long , but most important is when you need our support and direction , we are there for you .”
Dr . James Tauberg , PDA President 2020-2021
“ We held our own and did not lose any respect as a profession . We all worked better together and particularly , in this vein , I saw a much better acceptance by the dental schools of organized dentistry as they worked so well together in guiding the state ’ s response to COVID .”
Dr . David Tecosky
2021 |
March 3 – ADA releases Patient Return : Talking with Your Patients About COVID-19 Vaccines toolkit in an effort to improve vaccine confidence . |
April 9-10 – With the pandemic still preventing in-person events , PDA partners with the Arizona Dental Association to give members access to the live , virtual Western Regional Dental Experience . |
April 17
PDA hosts virtual , interactive annual business meeting .
|
May 20
Pennsylvania reaches vaccination milestone with 50 % of adults fully vaccinated against COVID-19 .
50 % vaccinated
|
May 31 – The Wolf administration lifts most COVID-19 restrictions , except the state ’ s masking order , on Memorial Day , at 12:01 a . m . |
26 MAY / JUNE 2021 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL