04 March 2021 - 30 November -0001

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ADA urges Congress for COVID-19 relief

Author: Katherine Pfaff

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The American Dental Association’s President, Daniel J. Klemmedson, DDS MD, and Executive Director Kathleen T. O’Loughlin, DMD, penned a February 12th letter to House and Senate leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, and other representatives urging passage of an additional coronavirus relief package. 

The letter also requests the legislators consider several changes aimed to improve conditions for dental practices impacted by the pandemic. These include deferred interest on student loans, streamlined documentation for PPP loans, a route to discuss applications to Provider Relief Fund, small business tax credits for the purchase of PPE and related office safety changes, and short-term liability protection for small businesses, including dental offices, which offer FDA-approved tests and vaccines under public health guidelines. 

In addition, the letter requests an increase in the percentage of federal medical assistance through Medicaid during COVID-19, and that small businesses which already use PPE, have demonstrated low infection rates, and have staff who are able to be vaccinated, not be required to follow “unsafe workplaces” guidelines. The letter also suggests the pandemic has brought to light health disparities and personnel shortages, which can be addressed by increased National Health Service Corps funding.

To read more: https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Advocacy/Files/210212_ADA_Congressional_COVID_Letter

Source: https://www.ada.org/