Most Recent Updates

NYSDOH guidance

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has issued the attached COVID-19 guidance for dental offices.  This guidance further explains Governor Cuomo's executive order 202.8 that limited dental offices to providing emergency dental services. NYSDOH has explained the parameters of what are considered emergency services in New York.  Please refer to this NYSDOH guidance document as your primary reference source on what dentists can do through April 19, 2020.

The American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association have also recommended that dentists postpone elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic to assist in “flattening the curve” of the spread of the disease.

At this time, we do not know what the statewide spread of the virus will be in April or what the availability of personal protective equipment will be, which will impact the Governor’s decision to extend or lift executive order 202.8.  NYSDA will be working with the Governor and NYSDOH to recommend a course of action that will protect you, your staff, and your patients.  The NYSDOH guidance was shared and reviewed with NYSDA, and represents the considered public health expert recommendations in New York as to how to define currently allowable procedures in dental offices under executive order 202.8.  Dentists should use their professional clinical judgment in evaluating those cases they consider urgent.  If there is any clinical uncertainty as to the NYSDOH guidance on urgent dental care, both NYSDA and the ADA have clinical experts available to provide assistance to members. Also attached is an ADA guidance on urgent care..

Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) - Apply today as this is based on a first come first serve basis.

There are a number of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans available to dentist owners. One loan, in particular, is the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), which establishes an emergency grant to allow a dental practice that applies for an EIDL loan to receive an advance on that loan of no more than $10,000, which the SBA must distribute within three days. The money may be used to pay for employee sick leave (COVID-19-related), mortgage or rent, and other overhead expenses. The grants would be awarded on a first come first served basis until the $10 billion fund is exhausted, and applicants would not have to repay the $10,000 grant even if they are denied the loan.

Visit the SBA site and learn more about the EIDL loan and other SBA loans.

The Coronavirus and Employment Law: What does this mean for your dental office?

NYSDA has partnered with Feldman Kieffer law firm to bring you ​this on-demand webina​r.

This webinar is available on-demand -- the content has been pre-recorded and is available to view at your convenience.

Matthew S. Feldman, Esq. from Feldman Kieffer will cover:
    -- Protecting employees from COVID-19 exposure.
    -- Addressing a COVID-19 exposure in the workplace.
    -- Managing employee-leave during the pandemic.  (Families First Coronavirus Act)
    -- Cost-saving strategies to mitigate the loss of workforce.
    -- Resources to recover financial losses caused by the pandemic.

This webinar is only available to NYSDA members. Log in is required for viewing.

VIEW WEBINAR

This is a rapidly evolving situation and information is changing frequently. Find important links regarding COVID-19 below. You may also access information from the New York State Department of Health or call their novel coronavirus hotline for advice at: 1-888-364-3065.
 
The emergence of a new infectious disease reemphasizes the importance of vigilance relative to all aspects of infection control for Dental Healthcare Workers. Dental specific infection control information may be referenced at the CDC website.