As you await word on access to the COVID-19 vaccine, make sure the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency has your correct email address. PLA will be the one to notify dentists of their eligibility to receive the vaccine and will do so by email.

You should have received an email from PLA on December 1 outlining the process and priorities for vaccine distribution. If you did not receive this email, you will need to ensure that PLA has your correct email address.

To verify or update your contact information, visit the PLA Online Portal.

Effective January 1, 2021, Indiana prescriptions for controlled substances must be transmitted electronically to the pharmacy.

DrFirst has been selected as the IDA preferred vendor for electronic prescriptions. DrFirst is offering its iPrescribe app for FREE to IDA members for the first two years, with a $10 per month fee starting in the third year.

If you need help setting up your iPrescribe app, call the DrFirst help desk at 866-263-6512.

Please note that integration with Indiana's INSPECT system is causing timing issues, and our recommendation is not to have DrFirst check the INSPECT report, but rather make it a two- step process where DrFirst sends the prescription electronically, and a separate step is taken by the dentist to pull the INSPECT report.

Part of the electronic prescription setup process is proving your identity as a healthcare provider. DrFirst and similar systems use ID.Me for their customers, but ID.Me is currently experiencing delays due to the high volume of customer requests. Please be prepared for delays in this step of the process.

If you're still deciding on your end of year giving options, consider these two worthy IDA programs:

Click the button below to visit our website's Donation page. Thank you for your support of these important programs!

It's ADA/IDA membership renewal time: Please renew your dues for 2021. In 2020, the size and strength of ADA/IDA membership played a big role in successfully advocating for the needs of the dental community at the national and state level. The ADA and IDA were here for you in 2020 when you needed it most, and we plan to be here for you again, every day in the coming year.

All IDA members who renew by December 31 will be entered in a drawing to receive two CE giveaways: A complimentary Center for Excellence registration for 2021, valued at $250, and an all-access pass for the 2020 IDA CE On Demand, valued at $100.

Registration is now open for all 2021 continuing education opportunities, including our FREE e-learning series and the Midwest Dental Assembly in Indianapolis. From free webinars to in-person classes for OSHA and the 2021 Center for Excellence, IDA has a tremendous selection of opportunities for all members. Click the button below to view our 2021 CE catalog.

Registration is now open for the 2021 Midwest Dental Assembly. The event will take place at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, May 14-16, 2021.

As with previous conferences, the Midwest Dental Assembly will feature multiple CE opportunities, networking events, social activities and the Marketplace of vendors. Early hotel registration is recommended due to limited availability.

As we near the 2021 Indiana General Assembly, now is a great time to support IDPAC, the voice of dentistry in the Indiana Statehouse. In 2020, IDPAC supported 35 candidates for the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives, 33 of whom won election. IDPAC donations are a worthy investment in the future of dentistry and oral health in Indiana.

If you know individuals who have done an outstanding job promoting, practicing or volunteering for the field of dentistry, nominate them for an IDA Award. These awards are presented during the IDA Midwest Dental Assembly and honor dentists, volunteers and dental professionals for their hard work and dedication.

All nominations for IDA Awards are due by March 1, 2021. Click the link below to visit our awards page and nomination form.

The IDA Central Office will be closed on the following days for the holiday season:

IDA wishes you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season!