North Carolina Dental Board Adopts AAO-Proposed Policy Wording for Specialty AdvertisingThe North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners recently adopted amendments to the state’s dental…Read More AAO-Supported Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act Passes in House Committee On September 9, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), for which the AAO and many members have advocated, passed in the U.S House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee by voice vote. Fall Appointment Scheduling Challenges: What to Do? Two recent short, free webinars from Cain Watters & Associates address strategic suggestions for heading off the diverse scheduling challenges that are being created this fall by the COVID-19 situation. Bring the Anti-Bullying Message to Your Practice and Community October is fast approaching. Now is the time for you and your team to organize your observance if you would like to join the AAO in raising awareness of this challenging issue affecting children and teens. AAO Members Meet with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Over the past week, Dr. Gary Inman and Dr. Greg Inman participated in a virtual event with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). Long-Time AAO Foundation Executive Robert Hazel Passes Away The AAO and the AAO Foundation were very saddened to learn of the July 28 passing of Robert W. Hazel, who retired in 2018 as executive vice president of the Foundation after 26 years of work on fundraising initiatives to support orthodontic faculty. AAO CAP Campaign Turns Heads and Surpasses Milestone Since the launch of this campaign just a few short months ago, the AAO has made waves in advertising circles and is getting noticed for this intriguing and unique consumer education campaign. PPE Protocols for the Orthodontic Team: Reuse of Respirator Masks Jackie Dorst, who serves on the AAO COVID-19 Task Force, addresses the use of respirator masks when aerosol-generating procedures are being performed and recommended protocols for extended use of the masks. Updated CDC Guidance Provides Clarity for Dental Settings during COVID-19 Response Per the CDC, most of the recommendations in the updated guidance are items that have been rearranged for clarity and are not new. Handling COVID-19 Concerns Impacting Your Team and Patients If you, an employee or a patient experience a known COVID-19 exposure, are symptomatic or test positive for COVID-19, what steps should you take? Resources identified by the AAO offer guidance that may be helpful in decision-making. Listen to the AAO Townhall Featuring Expert Advice for COVID-19 Issues In case you missed it on Tuesday, July 28, listen to the recording of AAO’s COVID-19 Townhall. AAO President, Dr. Chris Roberts, hosted a panel of subject matter experts on COVID-19 issues for AAO members. A Required Change to the ABO Scenario-based Clinical Examination In response to COVID restrictions, the American Board of Orthodontics is making a change to the Scenario-Based Clinical Examination for 2020-21, beginning in November 2020. AAO PAC Hosts Virtual Meetings with U.S. Senators AAO members have represented the AAO in four virtual meetings with Senators over the past few weeks including Sen. Susan Collins (Maine), Sen. Cory Gardner (Colorado), Sen. John Cornyn (Texas) and Sen. Mark Warner (Virginia), and Sen. Bill Cassidy (Louisianna). Bullying Bites: AAO Plans Second Anti-Bullying Campaign For the second year, the AAO will observe National Bullying Prevention Month in October as a significant part of the celebration of National Orthodontic Health Month. Member practices are invited to join the effort. SDC’s Legal Claims Dismissed by Federal Court in California On July 16, 2020, the Court entered an Order granting the Board and individual members’ Motion to Dismiss in full and dismissing with prejudice all of the federal claims by SDC and Dr. Sulitzer. HHS Expands Enhanced Provider Relief Funds HHS announced that the Enhanced Provider Relief Funds are available for dentists who may not have previously been eligible to receive funding through the Provider Relief Fund. The AAO Year in Review: June 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020 AAO leaders and members faced unusual challenges during 2019-20. Nonetheless, with expert leadership and a dedicated team, we finished the year with many successful efforts addressing the needs of members and the specialty and adding value to membership. AAO Members Helping Members: Stories of Our Time of Challenge During the pandemic, AAO members covered the practice that had belonged to a colleague who passed away from COVID-19. Others have helped colleagues and the specialty in a variety of other ways. AAO Supports Orthodontic Innovation with Investment in KLOwen Braces The AAO is taking another step forward in supporting the specialty by investing in advancements in patient care via its Innovation and Transformation Fund. The Fund's second investment has been made in the KLOwen Custom Braces System. 2021 Winter Conference to Focus on Clear Aligner Treatment The 2021 AAO Winter Conference, February 12-14, will be an intensive look at the latest research and clinical outcomes for patients treated with clear aligners. Kentucky Board of Dentistry Passes Teledentistry Regulations The AAO believes that the new teledentistry rules are in the best interest of patient health and safety, including provisions for a licensee to disclose his or her identity, credentials, contact information, and phone number. 2020 AAO Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care Training Award Dr. Kaitrin Kramer is the recipient of the 2020 AAO Craniofacial Anomalies and Special Care Training Award, which designed to help stimulate interest in the care of patients with craniofacial abnormalities. Important Update: 2020-21 Membership Renewal No action is required on AAO membership renewals at this time, and you can expect to receive your official AAO dues invoice in early August 2020. At-Large Trustees Selected to Join AAO Board Following the House of Delegates' approval of a proposal to bring at-large trustees onto the AAO Board, the AAO announced the appointments of two newly selected at-large trustees. Kentucky Board of Dentistry Passes Teledentistry Regulations The AAO believes that these teledentistry rules are in the best interest of patient health and safety, including provisions for a licensee to disclose identity, credentials and contact information. Senate Passes PPP Flexibility Act; Pres. Trump To Sign Into Law The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPFA), which passed the House last month, extends the window for businesses to use the PPP funds from 8 weeks to 24 weeks. AAO PAC Hosts Virtual Meeting with U.S. Rep. Brian Babin and AAO Members AAO member participants were able to share their perspectives with Congressman Babin and ask specific questions about COVID-19 relief measures at the federal level. What is Social Distancing, also called “physical distancing”? Physical distancing is just another way to say social distancing. Some organizations are advocating for use of the term “physical” over “social,” due to the importance of continued socialization for one’s overall well-being. House of Delegates Approves Addition of At-Large Trustees to AAO Board The AAO House of Delegates met virtually on May 1, considering numerous proposed resolutions and adopted a proposal designed to diversify the perspectives and expertise of the Board of Trustees. AAO Advocates for Members on PPE, Regulatory Issues with Rep. Gosar’s Staff Rep. Gosar’s staff asked that the AAO continue to keep them updated on any developments regarding issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. AAO Advocates before CDC Concerning PPE and COVID-19 Guidance The CDC team indicated that new guidance for dental practices would be coming from the CDC soon (within a matter of days rather than weeks). House Democrats Propose HEROES Act The $3 trillion package includes, among other items, increased flexibility for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan borrowers and support for small businesses and associations. AAO Continues to Advocate for Members on PPE, Regulatory Guidance In the two meetings, the AAO team first raised concerns about availability of PPE for AAO members and the dental community as practices reopen. AAO Awards 2020 Full-Time Faculty Fellowships The AAO Council on Education has announced that 2020 Full-Time Faculty Awards program fellowships will be presented to three orthodontic educators: AAO Task Force and COGA Obtain OSHA Clarification Regarding Guidance for Dentistry OSHA representatives stated that this guidance document is intended as a framework with tips for dentists, and OSHA is not intending to set new requirements with this document. Patient Communications for Reopening Your Practice While individual timetables vary by state and practice, you may be ready to let patients know about your reopening plans. Interim Orthodontic PPE Summary While final recommendations from the COVID-19 Task Force are forthcoming, some interim suggestions are indicated as orthodontic offices start to reopen. House of Delegates Votes to Invoice 2020-21 Member Dues on August 3 The 2020 AAO House of Delegates met virtually on May 1, adopting a key resolution to help provide financial relief to members during this challenging time. The ABO Continues to Create Demand and Strengthen the Specialty On-line registration for all 2021 ABO Clinical Examinations will open up July 15, 2020, 9:00 AM CST through the ABO website. AAO Advocates to FEMA for Availability of PPE for Orthodontists Dr. Inman asked that FEMA give priority to orthodontists, among non-first-line industries, as PPE becomes available and is distributed by FEMA to various industries. COVID-19 Task Force Reviews New OSHA Guidance for Dentistry Workers and Employees The AAO is working with our federal lobbyists to seek a conversation with OSHA to address any possible inconsistency. AAO Advocates for Members on PPE, Regulatory Guidance Issues with U.S. Senator’s Office The AAO team discussed two particular issues, availability of PPE for AAO members, and federal regulatory guidance (primarily from OSHA and the CDC) on COVID-19-related areas. Start Strong: Resources for Successful Re-Opening The AAO COVID-19 Resource Center is pivoting its focus to provide comprehensive resources to re-open. Set your practice up for success as it re-opens – while keeping yourself, your team and your patients safe. Congress Passes Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program On Thursday, April 23rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an interim Coronavirus aid package that provides an additional $310 billion to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) . Initiative Underway to Equip Members with PPE Resources The AAO has been working to identify viable resources for members needing to order PPE while preparing for reopening of offices during coming days, weeks and months. National Dental Practice-Based Research Network Re-Establishes Orthodontic Recruitment Efforts In preparation for upcoming studies, the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network is asking existing AAO participants to update their profiles and invites new participants to register. Senate Passes Additional Funding for Paycheck Protection Program On Tuesday, April 21st, the U.S. Senate passed the “Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act” to increase funding for HHS and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 2020 AAO Ortho Innovator Award Goes to EasyRx EasyRx, a company that offers orthodontists state-of-the-art tools to streamline and centralize digital workflow, will receive the 2020 AAO Ortho Innovator Award. Onboarding New Patients with Virtual Consultations As orthodontists look to use their time productively while offices are closed, many are becoming interested in conducting virtual consultations. Here are some helpful tools and resources for connecting virtually with prospective patients. Residents’ Resources: Help for Planning Beyond COVID-19 Orthodontic residency programs and institutions are doing their best to keep up in these changing times, and many residency programs are taking steps to ensure students can complete necessary didactic, clinical and assessment experiences to graduate on time. New Developments on Paycheck Protection Program Loans CWA has issued an update around the Paycheck Protection Program loans consistent with the changes issued by the SBA and the U.S. Treasury. Financial Management for the Unemployed Orthodontist AAO members who are employed as associates, or who provide patient care within Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) should be aware of several options for addressing the financial challenges of office closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. AAO Intends to Shape Orthodontic Specific Guidelines Post COVID-19 The AAO intends to play an active role in advocating for the interests of its members, as well as serving as a leader in taking steps to protect patients, staff and orthodontists in a post-COVID-19 world. 3 Things in the CARES Act Orthodontists Need to Know View an analysis of unemployment insurance, PPP and EIDL with targeted strategy and suggestions from Cain Watters and Associates. Select Patient Education Brochures Are on Sale at the AAO Online Store Knowing member finances are tight right now, on April 1 the AAO initiated a 50 percent discount on select printed consumer education brochures. Keep Your Team Engaged, Build Excitement for When Offices Reopen Just because you and your staff are stuck at home, it doesn’t mean you can’t keep the strong team vibe going that you worked so hard to build in the office. Advocacy Update: Temporary Dept. of Labor Ruling Issued the AAO joined the ADA and other dental organizations on a letter asking the Secretary of Labor to exempt small businesses (under 50 employees) from the new emergency paid sick leave provisions in the recently-passed Families First Coronavirus Response Act. AAO Encourages Donations of Spare PPE The AAO is calling on any members who may want to donate spare personal protective equipment (PPE) to COVID-19 healthcare providers. If you donate, share your story on social media at our #DocsHelpingDocs hash tag. Emotional Check-Up: Taking Care of Our Mental Health during COVID-19 As we try to manage necessary tasks and support others, it is important to take time to process our own reactions and truly take care of ourselves emotionally as well as physically. Top 5 Things to Know about the CARES Act The AAO joined other organizations to support the inclusion of this program in the final bill. For the most accurate information, continue to check websites for the Department of Labor, Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services. Strength in Community: See What Fellow AAO Orthodontists are Doing During COVID-19 Despite navigating through unprecedented times, orthodontists are giving back to their communities and making a difference. Take a look at some of the creative things your AAO colleagues are up to.
