COVID-19 and MDP Update
March 16, 2020
March 16, 2020
Team,
We want to share with you the latest updates available on COVID-19 and our response. The outbreak has continued to spread across the country. We have seen the recommendations change rapidly and vary greatly across a number of credible sources. Our ability to treat patients will likely be limited as State and National regulatory recommendations roll out. At this time our practices in Kentucky and Ohio have been asked by the State Dental Boards to limit dental care to emergency only. Expect lots of communications over the next 24 hours to help you facilitate these directives. Practice closures will be coordinated with the Doctor(s) and Regional President.
We are defining “emergency dental care” as 1) patient in pain, 2) patient with an acute infection or 3) other care at the discretion of the treating dentist.
Please follow the direction of your regional leadership team on logistics as we transition our practices. We are working to do everything we can to help support you at the practice level.
As we treat patients (either emergency or otherwise), consider the following:
If the patient answers “Yes” to either question, reschedule — at least 8 weeks out.
The information we are receiving from Patterson on mask shortages is constantly changing. Most of the item numbers I shared with you last week are now truly out of stock. The good news is that Patterson has updated their website to reflect existing inventory. The limit is still two (2) item numbers per week per office. Check the Patterson website regularly for updated availability.
Thank you for your amazing care and commitment to our patients and each other. Much in our immediate future is uncertain. As we lean on our values to Share Abundantly, Care for Everyone, Express Gratitude and Build Relationships, I’m confident we can make it through these challenging times and be better for it on the other end.