April 27, 2020 | Issue 30
Governor Extends Mandate for Dental Offices
Today Governor Kim Reynolds extended the mandate to close Iowa dental offices for nonessential procedures until 11:59 PM on Friday, May 15 statewide. The proclamation does allow for hospital-based dental surgeries to resume immediately if done in accordance with requirements outlined in Section 10, paragraph A.

For additional information, please refer to the Iowa Dental Board press release . 
ADA Releases Return to Work Toolkit
As dental offices prepare to re-open, the ADA has developed the Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit . The toolkit includes:

  • Sample letters to patients
  • Pre-appointment screening guidance
  • In-office patient registration procedures
  • Reception area preparation strategies
  • Chairside checklist
  • Staff protection strategies
  • Supplies shopping list

IDA is leading a task force of dental professionals to establish Iowa-specific recommendations for dental offices. Task force recommendations will be released in this publication and on the IDA Facebook page. 
Find A PPP Lender Near You
On Friday we announced the anticipation of additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The President signed the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act that includes more than $250 billion to the PPP program this weekend. Those interested in applying for these funds are encouraged to do so as soon as possible , as funds are expected to be allocated quickly. Click here to find a lender near you, or visit the SBA website . 
Third-Party Payers Asked to Modify Fee Schedules
The ADA is asking third-party payers to modify their fee schedules to account for the increased cost of PPE dental offices will experience as they re-open. Two statements were issued on April 21. The first asked payers to either “adjust the maximum allowable fees for all procedures or allow a standard fee per date of service per patient to accommodate the rising costs of PPE"; and the second asked that payers “not bundle the fee for the temporary procedure with the payment for the permanent procedure that may be submitted in the future."
Fraud Alert: Volunteer Requests from Iowa Responds
IDA has received reports of emails from Iowa Responds asking for volunteers to help with COVID-19 testing. i-SERV is the current system used by the Iowa Department of Public Health to register volunteers for crises like the COVID-19 pandemic; it replaced the Iowa Responds system a number of years ago. Please ignore emails received by Iowa Responds. Those wishing to volunteer during this pandemic should register on the i-SERV site .
Governor's Daily Press Conferences
Governor Reynolds continues to conduct daily press conferences at 11:00 AM. Access the press conferences via  Facebook and on many local news channels.

The governor issues daily press releases regarding the status of COVID-19's effect on Iowans.  Click here to access the most recent press release.