Executive Order 2020-32 Frequently Asked Questions

Originally Published: April 29, 2020
On April 27, 2020, the Arizona Department of Health Services published its “Executive Order 2020-32 Frequently Asked Questions,” including a “Dental Provider FAQ” (on pages 5-6) - www.azdhs.gov. 

As a member benefit, your Arizona Dental Association wanted to provide this update about the “Dental Provider FAQ.”

Read AzDHS’s “Dental Provider FAQ”

COVID-19 Screening

Originally Published: April 30, 2020
On April 27, 2020, the Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS) published its “Executive Order 2020-32 Frequently Asked Questions,” including a “Dental Provider FAQ” (on pages 5-6) - azdhs.gov.  Thereafter, your Arizona Dental Association (AzDA) provided additional information about AzDHS’s Dental Provider FAQ

Read About COVID-19 Screening

Access the ADA’s Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit

Download the ADA Toolkit

Suggestions for What You Can Do NOW to Prepare Your Practice to Re-Open

Originally Published: April ​23, 2020
AzDA knows your time is valuable and that you're looking for suggestions on what you can do NOW to prepare your office. AzDA's team researched, distilled, and compiled resources from the American Dental Association (ADA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), Arizona Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX), and Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS) to help. It's one more way that we what to show that we're in this together, and we're here for you. Click the button below to see what we've put together for you.

Preparing Your Practice to Re-Open

EDU_sean

Dear AzDA members,
Sean Murphy here, AzDA’s Executive Director.  To begin with, I hope this message finds you, your families, and loved ones safe and healthy.  Although a Saturday, the days seem to run together, each filled with an array of updates and news, and of course, the ever-increasing desire to return to normalcy.   Like you, your Arizona Dental Association and its leadership (who are dentists like you) all want to get back to work, and our efforts are focused on helping that happen.  We also recognize that your safety and that of your dental team, family, and community are a top priority. 

I wanted to let you know that AzDA is constantly advocating and reaching out on dentists’ behalves to the Governor’s office, Arizona’s legislators, BODEX, other government entities, and third-party stakeholders, in order to provide the unique perspective of Arizona’s dental professionals.  Below is a quick summary of some of the many initiatives that AzDA is performing for you:

  • Federal Efforts:  AzDA has been working with the ADA to make sure dentists are part of the COVID-19 financial relief efforts at the federal level.  From the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), we’ve made sure dentists are included in these programs, while other businesses have unfortunately been left out (e.g. 501(c)(6) entities).  And as the resources for these programs have already been used, we’ve immediately begun advocating for additional funding and other measures to help you and your practices. See here. The ADA has also established a task force focused on dental practice recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide information and resources for when you return to practice.  
  • Dental Insurance Companies/AHCCCS:  Weeks ago, AzDA began advocating that insurance premiums already paid to dental insurance companies should be paid to you, the dental providers, during COVID-19.  We asked you to also reach out to your elected officials on this and other issues.  After directly reaching out to Delta Dental of Arizona, I was glad to see Delta Dental of Arizona responded with its “COVID-19 Advance Claim Payment Program” (ACPP) -https://www.deltadentalaz.com/secured/dentist/acpp.asp.  As of April 9, we are one of only a few states to have had the state’s Delta Dental agree to such an assistance program.  See here. We continue to work with other dental insurance companies on this issue as well.  AzDA has also been coordinating with the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association and other healthcare stakeholders in an effort to help secure advance AHCCCS payments (similar to Delta Dental of Arizona's ACPP). These efforts have not gone unnoticed.  For example, just yesterday federal lawmakers from Arizona authored a letter to HHS and CMS requesting “a Section 1115 waiver to allow retainer payments be made to essential Medicaid providers . . . including . . . dentists.” 
  • Arizona Governor:  AzDA and its state lobbyist (John MacDonald) have been in frequent contact with Governor Ducey’s Office, communicating with the Governor, the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senior Policy Advisor, Director of Legislator Affairs, and Director of Communications.  AzDA’s efforts have included detailing the significant impacts (business, financial, community health, etc.) COVID-19 has had on Arizona’s dental community (dentists, patients, dental team members, and practices).  AzDA is also providing the Governor’s office with information specific to dentistry, asking for financial relief packages for dentists, making sure dentistry is and remains an “essential function” under the Governor’s Executive Orders, assuring that teledentistry is allowed during the crisis (other states have prohibited it), and asking for updates as to when dentists can return to work.
  • Arizona Department of Health Services (AzDHS):  AzDA and its lobbyist have also been in regular contact with Arizona’s Department of Health Services, communicating with the Assistant Director for Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chief Legislative Liaison.  Those conversations have focused on the significant impact COVID-19 has had on Arizona’s dental community—issues such as returning to work, the unique perspective of dentists, PPE availability, COVID-19 findings specific to Arizona, and requesting that a future vaccine be prioritized for healthcare workers, including dental professionals.
  • Arizona Legislators:  we’ve spoken personally with the following legislators about the issues critical to dentists during this crisis - House Speaker Rusty Bowers; Senate President Karen Fann; Sen. Kate Brophy McGee, Chair, Senate Health and Human Services Committee; Sen. Heather Carter, Chair, Senate Higher Education Committee; Rep. John Kavanagh, Chair, House Government Committee; Rep. Jeff Weninger, Chair, House Commerce Committee (who also worked with AzDA to hold a webinar on the federal relief packages); Rep. Jennifer Jermaine, House Health Committee; and Rep. Gina Cobb, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee - an Arizona dentist, former AzDA President, and great friend and ally of AzDA.
  • Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX):  AzDA has been in frequent contact with BODEX’s Executive Director and we’ve attended the virtual BODEX meetings.  In communicating with BODEX, AzDA is requesting COVID-19 information specific to dentistry, advocating that COVID-19 testing is within Arizona’s definition of the “practice of dentistry,” asking that dentists be permitted to provide COVID-19 tests and vaccines once they are available and if they so choose, supporting BODEX testing and licensing requirements that take into account the COVID-19 crisis, and asking that BODEX’s fees for license renewals continue to be waived.  AzDA participated in a BODEX meeting on April 10 and advocated on the fee waiver issue, during which the Board voted to not charge many of its fees for the remainder of Governor Ducey’s COVID-19 Emergency Declaration. See https://dentalboard.az.gov/.
  • AzDA Task Force:  AzDA is fortunate to have such a dedicated President (Dr. Jennifer Enos), Board of Trustees, and other volunteer leaders during these challenging times.  President Enos has been involved with the COVID-19 issue from the start and has already established several task forces that are made up of dental professionals from across the state.  These task forces include a “Getting Back to Work” Task Force, chaired by AzDA’s Past-President, Dr. Kirk Robertson, and a “Community Plan” Task Force, chaired by AzDA Board Member, Dr. Jessica Robertson.  These task forces have already met and will continue to meet and discuss how to help Arizona dentists move forward.

As evident from above, your AzDA is advocating and working to make sure that you, Arizona's dentists, have a seat at the decision making table and that your voice is heard.  These efforts began at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis and will only continue.  We truly appreciate your support and membership during this unprecedented time.  We are stronger, and will get through this, together. 

In good health,
Sean

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AzDA Communications

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  • 05/22/2020 - As Dental Practices Resume Operations, ADA offers Continued Guidance
  • 05/21/2020 - CDC Issues Guidance for Dental Settings
  • 05/18/2020 - From Forbes: SBA Releases Application For Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness
  • 05/16/2020 - Free face shields from AzDA and the good folks at John Deere
  • 05/15/2020 - From OSHA: Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus
  • 05/14/2020 - ADA Releases OSHA Guidance for Dentistry Workers and Employers (PDF)
  • 05/13/2020 - Download the latest ADA "Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit"
  • 05/12/2020 - From Archer Dental: Masks (Box of 20). ADA webinar, the Role of Aerosol on the Transmission of Coronavirus
  • 05/09/2020 - ADA tip sheet includes CDC guidance on identifying counterfeit N95 masks
  • 05/08/2020 - Check Your N95 and KN95 Masks
  • 05/07/2020 - ADA Urges CDC To Update Guidance For Dental Personnel Returning To Work
  • 05/06/2020 - AzDA Members Can Get FREE Face Shields
  • 05/05/2020 - AzDHS Provides Dental Care Recommendations
  • 05/04/2020 - AzDA Responds to Arizona Dental Hygienists’ Association’s May 2 Letter
  • 05/01/2020 - Risk Management Tools
  • 04/30/2020 - Screening Protocol
  • 04/29/2020 - AzDA Releases Members-Only Dental Provider FAQ
  • 04/28/2020 - AzDHS Publishes FAQs Specific to Dentistry, Following Requests from AzDA
  • 04/27/2020 - AzDA waiting on Governor's response to our questions​
  • 04/27/2020 - Get the ADA's Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkit
  • 04/25/2020 - Suggestions for What You Can Do NOW to Prepare Your Practice to Re-Open. BODEX Sends Recommendations Upon Reopening to Governor
  • 04/24/2020 - May 1 is coming—We Have Resources and Suggestions for Preparing Your Practice to Re-Open
  • 04/23/2020 - AzDA Sends Governor Questions on Your Behalf
  • 04/22/2020 - Arizona Governor Issues Executive Order for Dentists, Starting May 1
  • 04/22/2020 - AzDA Perks Supplies Has Emergency PPE
  • 04/21/2020 - Resources from Arizona Together
  • 04/20/2020 - AZ Commerce Authority has Business Resource Guide. ADA Provides Interim Guidance As Some States Consider Reopening
  • 04/18/2020 - Message from AzDA's Executive Director Sean Murphy
  • 04/17/2020 - Your Insurance Coverages and Deadlines Regarding COVID-19
  • 04/17/2020 - Next Steps for Arizona's Economy. Complete the Arizona Chamber of Commerce Survey
  • 04/16/2020 - COVID-19 patients should not be treated (even for emergencies)
  • 04/15/2020 - ADA Asks Congress To Ensure Health Care Workers Have Access To Appropriate PPE
  • 04/14/2020 - Assembly of a New ADA Task Force for Post-Pandemic Dental Practice Recovery
  • 04/13/2020 - Relief packages! With funding caps and processing times, be sure to apply timely
  • 04/11/2020 - ADA Webinar Recording on SBA Loans Now Available. AzDA member Dr. Scott Howell honored by the ADA.
  • 04/10/2020 - Today is the deadline to complete Delta Dental of Arizona's ACPP application/agreement
  • 04/09/2020 - IRS offers information on Employee Retention Credit, Applying for relief packages.
  • 04/07/2020 - Governor's Executive Order Prohibits Small Business Evictions
  • 04/06/2020 - Small Business Administration Clarifies Rule with ADA
  • 04/04/2020 - Fight to Overturn the Department of Treasury and SBA Interim Guidance on the SBA 7(a) PPP Loan and EIDL Loan
  • 04/03/2020 - US Treasury Department Releases Info. About Paycheck Protection Program
  • 04/02/2020 - ADA's Postponement Recommendation and Interim Guidance
  • 04/01/2020 - Delta Dental of Arizona Offers an Advance Claim Payment Plan. DOL publishes rule implementing coronavirus leave law
  • 03/31/2020 - Dentists may need to reapply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans. Gov. Ducey's New Executive Order
  • 03/30/2020 - Arizona’s Governor Issues New Executive Order
  • 03/30/2020 - SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan & Emergency Grant
  • 03/28/2020 - Clarification on EIDL and PPP loans. What Employers Need to Know About the CARES Act
  • 03/27/2020 - SBA Disaster Assistance. ADA webinar on the CARES Act is now available on-demand
  • 03/26/2020 - AHCCCS provides emergency medical coding guidance related to Teledentistry. Senate passes CARES Act, 3rd COVID-19 relief bill
  • 03/25/2020 - Gov. Ducey Issues Order Expanding Telemedicine for Dentists
  • 03/24/2020 - Arizona’s Governor Issues Executive Order
  • 03/21/2020 - AZ Gov. Ducey asks for dentists' personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 03/20/2020 - AZ Gov. Ducey Issues Executive Order Easing Access to Unemployment Benefits for Workers Laid Off Due to COVID-19
  • 03/20/2020 - ADA releases COVID-19 Coding and Billing Guidance (including Teledentistry Guidance)
  • 03/20/2020 - Arizona’s Governor Issues Executive Order
  • 03/19/2020 - Small Business Economic Injury Disaster Loan
  • 03/19/2020 - CDC’s Strategies to Optimize PPE Supply
  • 03/19/2020 - Statement from AzDA’s President (quick video)
  • 03/19/2020 - Register Today: ADA and OSAP Infection Control Protocol and Procedures Webinar
  • 03/18/2020 - ADA develops guidance on dental emergency, non-emergency care
  • 03/18/2020 - Families First Coronavirus Response Act, (H.R. 6201)
  • 03/18/2020 - HR Considerations Regarding Coronavirus, and AzDA Discount for HR Legal Advice
  • 03/18/2020 - Important reminders if you are temporarily closing your office
  • 03/18/2020 - Letter to Maricopa County Healthcare Providers
  • 03/18/2020 - ADA and OSAP team up to answer dentists’ COVID-19 questions
  • 03/18/2020 - Arizona Board of Dental Examiners (BODEX) releases Statement and Guidance on COVID-19
  • 03/17/2020 - Resources regarding COVID-19/Coronavirus
  • 03/17/2020 - AzDA’s Western Regional Dental Experience is going VIRTUAL
  • 03/16/2020 - ADA Calls Upon Dentists to Postpone Elective Procedures
  • 03/16/2020 - Update from the AzDA: COVID-19 links and resources
  • 03/12/2020 - OSHA Coronavirus Update