March 25, 2020 | Issue 6
Legislators Reach Agreement on CARES Act
The ADA reported that legislators have reached an agreement on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act earlier today. A vote is expected in the U.S. Senate today.

The ADA plans to send an email to members later today. In order to ensure updates are received in a timely fashion, all ADA/IDA members are encouraged to review their profile to ensure contact information is current. Click here to access your profile.
Iowa Small Business Relief Program Application Link
Yesterday we announced the new Iowa Small Business Relief Program and the application deadline of noon on Tuesday, March 31. Due to high traffic on the site, some were unable to access the online application form. IDA recommends trying to access the site during off-hours, before 9:00 AM and after 6:00 PM. Please contact IDA staff if issues accessing the application continue.
State Launches New COVID-19 Website
The state has launched a new COVID-19 website: www.coronavirus.iowa.gov. The site is divided into five sections:

Fraud Alert: Fake At-Home COVID-19 Tests
In a press release yesterday, the Iowa Dental Board made the dental community aware of a fraud alert issued by the FDA related to unauthorized fraudulent COVID-19 test kits. The FDA has not authorized any tests the general public may purchase for the detection of COVID-19.
19 Ways to Survive the Pandemic
The ADA is offering a free webinar on Thursday, March 26 at 1:00 PM led by Dr. Mark E. Hyman, renowned dentist and speaker. During the webinar Dr. Hyman will provide 19 ways to survive and thrive when times are tough. Topics include:

  • Leading your staff
  • Reassuring and making patients comfortable once your doors reopen
  • Maintaining your own confidence
  • Keeping your dental team together even when money is tight

An on-demand version will be available soon at ADA.org.
Donate PPE
The need for personal protective equipment (PPE) continues. If you have PPE that you are able and willing to donate please complete the donation form.

Many of you have been contacted by your local hospitals and other healthcare facilities for donations. If you donate directly to the facilities, please contact IDA with a list of the items donated and the name of the facility donated to. IDA is tracking the amount of PPE donated by Iowa dentists. Thank you to everyone who has generously donated PPE to assist with the national shortage!

Follow us on Facebook to view pictures that dentists have submitted delivering donations and be sure to tag us in your donation posts. Pictures is Dr. John Arend (L) and Dr. Brad Kegler (R) with Mark Burkhart from Buchanan County Health Center.

Thank you to the dentists who have donated or volunteered to donate PPE:
  • Dr. John Arend, Independence
  • Dr. EriK Balster, Cedar Rapids
  • Dr. Sam Christensen, Ankeny
  • Dr. Tony Delancy, Des Moines
  • Dr. Brian Eness, Sumner
  • Dr. Mary Halverson Wettach, Mt. Pleasant
  • Dr. Brad Kegler, Independence
  • Dr. Dan Kegler, Independence
  • Dr. Zach Kouri, Urbandale
  • Dr. Jessica Lawson, Urbandale
  • Dr. Rebecca Metzger, Ames
  • Dr. Joel Sardzinski, Cedar Rapids
  • Dr. Michelle Schaeffer, Ankeny
  • Dr. Julie Smith, Ankeny
  • Dr. Nicholas Smith, Ankeny
  • Dr. Tom Stark, Ames
  • Dr. Ryan Stuntz, Farley
  • Dr. Juan Uribe, Soiux
  • Dr. Tyler Villiard, Carlisle
Webinar to Provide Overview of SBA Assistance
The Small Business Association (SBA) is offering a webinar tomorrow to provide an overview of the assistance available.

Thursday, March 26, 2:30 - 4:00 PM - click here to see the presentation or join via phone at (202) 765-1264, use ID 480330157.

In addition to the webinar, SBA has created a Disaster Assistance in Response fact sheet.

A recent blog post by Brown Winick Law Firm attorney, Amy Johnson, provides additional information regarding the assistance available through the SBA Disaster Loans.
Register to Serve in the Iowa Statewide Emergency Registry of Volunteers
Interested individuals are encouraged to register as a willing and able volunteer through the Iowa Statewide Emergency Registry of Volunteers (i-SERV) – the Iowa Department of Public Health's secure online registry for individuals wishing to volunteer in the event of a large-scale disaster or public health emergency. Volunteers maintain the option to accept or decline any opportunity. Due to the Governor’s Public Health Disaster Emergency Declaration, individuals who volunteer to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic are granted liability immunity for their service. Volunteering for this disaster response will not impact unemployment benefits for those who are receiving them as a result of their clinic temporarily shutting down. 
Governor Conducting Daily Press Conferences
Governor Kim Reynolds announced last week that she will be conducting daily press conferences at 2:30 PM. Those press conferences may be viewed live on Facebook.