Confusion with KDHE Dental Recommendations versus Local Orders Persist
The KDA has heard from several dentists who have sought guidance in an effort to navigate recommendations from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the American Dental Association (ADA), and their local counties or communities that have issued stay-at-home orders.
As a reminder, both the KDHE and ADA have strongly recommended that dental offices treat emergency-only patients in an effort to: 1) reduce the spread of COVID-19; 2) preserve PPE for hospitals, and; 3) reduce the number of dental emergency patients who seek treatment through hospital emergency departments. The KDHE recommendation is in effect until March 30, while the ADA recommendation is in effect through April 6.
At this moment, the Kansas communities that
we know
have issued stay-at-home orders include Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Lyon, Miami, Morris, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte counties, with more expected throughout the day. At this point, all the counties have included “healthcare” as an essential service/business (which certainly includes dental care); however, being included as an essential service/business
does not change the recommendation to treat patients with dental emergencies only
.
Some dentists have asked whether they should plan to go back to “business-as-usual” on March 30 (as KDHE has recommended) or wait until April 6 (as the ADA has recommended). Though nothing has been officially released at this time, the KDA strongly suspects the KDHE recommendation will be extended. We will pass along any updates from the state pertaining to dentistry as quickly as possible.
Lawmakers Reach Agreement on CARES Act
COVID-19 relief bill contains provisions important to dentistry
Following several days of discussions, members of Congress reached a deal early Wednesday on a $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at helping the people, states, and businesses devastated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act — or CARES Act — is expected to pass the Senate today. A vote from the House would soon follow. This legislation contains many provisions that the ADA has advocated for on behalf of dentistry and more information will be sent out to dentists later today.
KDA COVID-19 Resources
The KDA has been working diligently these past two weeks gathering and passing along information on several aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak, ranging from business-owners and professional liability insurance to unemployment insurance, labor laws, FMLA, the CARES Act, KDHE information, PPE supplies, etc.
In addition, the KDA has worked with the major dental insurance companies and the Governor’s office requesting reimbursement for emergency teledentistry exams (D1040) be accepted during the difficult time. Many are working on a new policy regarding that now. As this situation unfolds, look for the daily KDA email updates and visit the
COVID-19 Resource Center
on the KDA web site.
KDA To Postpone April Dues Installment Payments
If you are in the process of paying your 2020 tripartite membership dues on an installment plan, the KDA will be deferring April's payment to a later date. We will be re-evaluating the situation in May, and will be in direct contact with those members. We appreciate your membership, and if you have any questions, please contact KDA Director of Finance and Membership, Jennifer Jones, at
jennifer@ksdental.org
.
KDA Bylaw Amendment Dealing with Dues Increases Withdrawn
Unfortunately, the KDA mailed the notice of the KDA Annual Meeting on the Friday before “all heck broke loose” with COVID-19. The meeting notice included three proposed bylaw amendments as follows:
Amendment #1
(WITHDRAWN)
An increase in full Active dues from $585 to $605.
Amendment #2
(WITHDRAWN)
A modification in the new graduate to full active phase in from three to five years.
At this time, proposed Amendments #1 and #2 have been WITHDRAWN and the KDA’s 2020-2021 budget is being reworked for member consideration during the KDA Annual Meeting on Friday, April 17. The KDA regrets the unforeseen timing of the notice.
KDA Office Under “Safe-At-Home” Order
On Tuesday, March 24, the Shawnee County Health Officer issued a 30-day safe-at-home order, which takes effect on Thursday, March 26. As such, all KDA staff not currently working from home will transition to working remotely to comply with the order and continue to meet KDA members’ needs.
Please rest assured that the KDA staff has remained diligent by monitoring information from the Governor's office, KDHE, ADA, CDC, Department of Labor, and other state and national government agencies. The latest updates will continue to reach members as quickly as possible via email, social media, and on the
KDA website
. Please have patience while we become accustomed to the new situation.
