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 Tax Savings: The 20 Percent Qualified Business Income Deduction Cain Watters reviews the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction that allows flow through entities, such as S Corporations, partnerships and Schedule C filers, to exclude up to 20% of the flow through income from the taxpayer’s taxable income. AAO Endorses Circles 123 Personal Assistant Services The AAO has formed an exclusive endorsement agreement through Circles123.com with Circles Concierge, to provide unique value to members and help them gain time, increase productivity, and enhance their quality of life. Interim Final Rules Released Offering Clarification on Second Draw PPP Program On January 6, 2021, the Treasury Department released two Interim Final Rules (IFR) providing further clarification on the second draw of the Paycheck Protection Program. Incorporating Michael Hyatt’s Advice on Achieving Goals into Your Life and Practice Dr. Lauren Wulc shares ideas for applying goal-setting systems from Michael Hyatt’s book, Your Best Year Ever: A Five-Step Plan for Achieving Your Most Important Goals, in life and in orthodontic practice. A Message from Dr. Chris Roberts: Inclusion and Engagement Task Force As part of our strategic efforts to increase inclusivity, I am pleased to announce our new Inclusion and Engagement Task Force (IETF). Join the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network 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. Details Surrounding the New Pandemic Relief Bill Here is what orthodontic practice owners need to know about the newest stimulus package passed by Congress. AAO and OAO Defeat Bad Teledentistry bill in OHIO The AAO will continue to work with the OAO to advocate for our Ohio members and will support legislation that is in the best interest of patient health and safety. Breaking: Congress Passes New COVID-19 Relief Package Congress has reached an agreement on a $900 billion coronavirus relief package, adding it to a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill that would fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2021. New AAO Member-Only Discounts: Credit Card/Merchant Services The AAO has formed a joint endorsement agreement with an electronic payment processing provider specializing in integration with practice software, and a firm that helps businesses reduce credit card processing fees. New Consumer Awareness Influencers Campaign and Video Series Reach Key Audiences In early November, the AAO Consumer Awareness Program launched a new social media influencers campaign, conveying the recommendation to have an orthodontic check-up by age 7. AAOPAC Advocates for Orthodontic Priorities to Key Legislators AAO members and staff have represented the AAOPAC in over 30 virtual meetings over the past month, including discussions with three Congressmen who are dentists. AAO Announces New Complimentary Student Disability Coverage for Residents AAO student members (residents) are now eligible for the AAO’s newly created Student Disability Insurance, underwritten by New York Life Insurance Company at no cost. Free Online Series Addresses Well-Being and Self-Care in This Time of Challenge The AAO has compiled a free series of four online lectures designed to offer ideas and inspiration for restoring positive energy among doctors and orthodontic team members. AAO-Endorsed Insurance Update: Lockton Affinity Becomes New Broker/Administrator The AAO is happy to announce that Lockton Affinity will serve as the new broker/administrator for the AAO Endorsed Insurance Program. Gaidge: Third-Quarter Double-Digit Increases in Net Production, Adult Starts and Aligner Starts Compared with Q3 2019 As part of a collaboration with business analytics provider, Gaidge, after each calendar quarter and full calendar year the AAO receives and shares with members key metrics compiled from a subset of Gaidge client practices. Important Tax Information to Help Minimize Your 2020 Liability While tax planning strategies should be implemented throughout the year, this year has had a myriad of changing legislation for business owners to keep up with. Utah Enacts Teledentistry Law That Protects Patient Health and Safety Earlier this year, Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed into law Senate Bill 135, addressing the use of teledentistry to provide dental care. HHS Announces Phase 3 of Provider Relief Funding On Oct. 5, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced $20 billion in a new Phase 3 Provider Relief Fund (PRF). HHS Announces Phase 3 Of General Distribution Of Provider Relief Funds The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) opened the Provider Relief Fund Portal for eligible applicants, which includes orthodontists, to begin applying for Phase 3 of funding. Orthodontics and Dentistry Mourn the Loss of Dr. Arthur Dugoni Dr. Arthur Dugoni, former dean of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry who also was an orthodontic educator, died at his home in Palo Alto, California on September 23. American Dental Association Offers Low-Cost PPE to All U.S. Dentists The AAO is collaborating with the American Dental Association to extend to you the ADA’s invitation to place an order for low-cost KN-95 masks and/or gowns provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Government Updates FFCRA Rules on Healthcare Employees Paid Sick Leave The U.S. Department of Labor has made significant updates to its guidance on the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA), which addresses paid sick leave requirements and other COVID-19-related employment situations. 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.
