It has been a very trying time for ALL of us working so hard to follow the recommendations of our leaders to do our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19. I am grateful for the leadership of our Governor and other State and National leaders who have helped guide us and keep us up-to-date with critical information to make sound decisions and establish and maintain best practices during this unprecedented time in our history. I have also gained a much deeper appreciation for leadership and councils and committees of the ADA and KDA that have worked tirelessly to keep us informed and prepared to do our part as oral healthcare professionals and leaders, meeting the needs of our patients on a daily basis. Although our daily schedules certainly look different during this period, I am proud of all of our Kentucky dentists who continue to stand strong and remain flexible and prepared to meet the urgent and emergency needs of the patients of the Commonwealth.

 

These days have necessitated the COLLABORATION of many oral health stakeholders in our state and nation. It has been comforting for me to witness the tireless efforts of our fabulous KDA Administrative team and so many outstanding volunteer dental leaders throughout the Commonwealth. Without fail, they step up and serve each of us on a daily basis with countless calls, communications, Zoom meetings, webinars, emails, and texts with the all the oral health leaders in the state and nation. As we have been asked to remain flexible and stand strong, our KDA Administrative team of Rick, Todd, Janet, Melissa and Jenna remain nimble and prove that they can adapt and serve the needs of our Association during such trying times. Thanks to each of these tremendous folks who make up the heart of our KDA Family.

 

As we continue to follow the recommendations of the Governor, Department of Public Heath and Kentucky Board of Dentistry, I encourage each of you to utilize the resources of the KDA, ADA and CDC to shape the decisions that you make for your dental practice, team, patients and families. If you are not a tripartite member of the ADA, KDA and a Local Component Society, I ask you to join, today, and stand strong together for our profession. Take advantage of the many resources at our fingertips. I strongly encourage you to evaluate the EIDL and PPP and Tax Credit SBA relief and lending resources that continue to be refined for our financial stabilization. Other options, such as unemployment, national and local rate refinancing and payment deferment programs may also be available. I encourage each of you to seek council with your family, team, dental practice management team, accounting, legal and lending resources to properly frame the decisions that are best for you. I have learned that each situation is different and what works for one provider and team may certainly be different for another. As you work with your lenders and support networks, don't be afraid to share your needs and ask. A very wise and respected mentor has reminded me, "...if you don't ask, you don't get anything."

Stay Safe and Stay Healthy...We will get through this, together!