PDA Lobbies the Wolf Administration on COVID-19 Issues
By Marisa Swarney , Director of Government Relations
Unexpected issues came to the forefront of PDA ’ s advocacy agenda in March when the Wolf Administration began to issue its COVID-19 related directives and guidance . From the beginning , PDA took the lead in representing the dental profession with discussions with administration officials from a number of agencies , including the Department of Health , Department of Insurance , Department of Human Services and the Attorney General ’ s Office . We will continue to address all COVID-19 issues impacting the dental profession at the state level , from PPE supplies and reimbursement , teledentistry , testing and vaccinations , to guidance for the dental community to remain fully open to provide comprehensive care in a timely and safe manner .
Reopening dentistry for comprehensive patient care : At the outbreak of the pandemic in March , the Pennsylvania Department of Health ( DOH ) issued the most restrictive guidance of any state , essentially closing dental practices from even treating emergency cases . PDA engaged with other stakeholders in a coalition that was able to convince DOH to change its guidance within a few days to allow dentists and their teams to treat patients with emergencies . In the weeks that followed , the coalition worked tirelessly with state officials until guidance was issued that allowed dentists to safely and fully reopen their practices .
PDA also created the Health Crisis Task Force , comprised of volunteer members and staff , to discuss and handle pandemicrelated issues internally . The task force plays an instrumental role in offering guidance based on sound science to state officials , and has been working diligently to secure adequate PPE supplies for dentistry . The task force also addresses concerns about health care practitioners ’ malpractice liability during COVID-19 , the availability of testing and vaccines for the dental team and patients and all other issues that emerged due to the pandemic .
28 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL