May 4, 2020 | Issue 35
55 Dental Offices Included in Latest IEDA Funding
On  April 24   we reported additional funding for the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Small Business Relief Grant program. As of May 1, 55 dental offices in 25 Iowa counties have been awarded more than $1.3 million in grants from the IEDA. 
 
Those receiving grants during this second round of funding are from the pool of original applications received through March 31. IEDA did not re-open applications for these additional funds. Dentists were visibly absent from the first round of funding; as a result, IDA leadership had conversations with the IEDA staff and submitted a letter to IEDA Director Debi Durham illustrating the importance of providing funding to dental offices to ensure the ongoing oral healthcare of Iowans. View the current list of awardees on the  IEDA website .
IDB Meeting Tomorrow to Adopt Reopening Guidelines
During its weekly meeting on Friday, the Iowa Dental Board (IDB) discussed guidelines for dental offices to use when Governor Reynolds lifts the restriction on elective dental procedures. IDB will be hosting a special meeting to vote on adopting the guidelines on Tuesday, May 5 at 8:00 AM. All IDB meetings are open to the public and are currently held virtually due to social distancing guidelines.
PPE Survey
IDA has received multiple calls from dentists and offices regarding obtaining the necessary PPE needed. To gain a sense of the amount of PPE dental offices currently have on hand, we ask that you complete the IDA PPE Survey. The survey will remain open until midnight on Thursday, May 7 . 
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.