4-1-2020

MESSAGE FROM THE

IDHA PRESIDENT

Dear Colleague,

The challenge we face in containing the spread of COVID-19 continues to evolve and change rapidly. Despite efforts thus far, Indiana reports daily increases in positive cases of COVID-19 and deaths.

Recently, the CDC issued interim infection protection and control guidance for dental settings during the COVID-19 response. “Services should be limited to urgent and emergency visits only during this period of the pandemic. These actions help staff and patients stay safe, preserve personal protective equipment and patient care supplies, and expand available health system capacity.” You can find the recommendation by clicking on the following link: CDC Recommendations for Dental Settings.

On March 30, 2020, Governor Eric J. Holcomb issued Executive Order 20-13 which gives clear directives related to the practice of Dentistry. “To preserve PPE for health care providers who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning April 1, 2020, all health care providers, whether medical, dental or other and health care facilities, whether hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, dental facilities…are directed to cancel or postpone elective and non-urgent surgical or invasive procedures.” Note that there was no end date, as the situation is fluid and the COVID-19 Taskforce continues to evaluate and make recommendations daily. You can find the Executive Order by clicking on the following link: Executive Order 20-13.

On March 31, 2020, the Indiana Dental Association’s President, Dr. Steven Ellinwood made a statement informing IDA members of the Governor’s Executive Order. He stated, “Like the order issued on March 23, the directive allows providers to use professional judgment in determining what procedures can be delayed without undue risk to the patient. However, its intent is clearly to postpone as many procedures as possible that require the use of PPE, thereby impacting most dental procedures.” A link to the ADA’s definition of emergency procedures was included. You can find the IDA’s statement at indental.org.

The Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association supports the strict adherence to the recommendations of the CDC, Governor Holcomb, and the IDA. It is imperative that we work together to protect our patients, ourselves, our families and our communities by stopping the spread and flattening the curve. We are in this together and we will get through this together.

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay sheltered in place.

Respectfully,

Sheli R. Taulbee

IDHA President

Hygienists--Please read below for an important research request:

Dear Dental Hygienist,

Our names are Nina Carresi, Lisa Jaskowiak, and Brittany Novellino. We are a group of students pursuing our Baccalaureate of Science in Dental Hygiene degree at the University of Bridgeport Fones School of Dental Hygiene. We are conducting a research study on the effects of occupational noise on dental hygienists’ hearing. Our study is imperative to the future of dental hygiene. We hope our study will raise awareness for this topic, as well as increase education and improve the longevity of our profession.

Our study has received IRB approval through the University of Bridgeport. We will be utilizing a 15-question electronic survey that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The participants’ answers are anonymous and no identifying information will be obtained.

We are asking for your help. The following is a link to our survey which includes an informed consent on the introduction page: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J9VXM83.

Sincerely,

Nina, Lisa, and Brittany

INDIANA DENTAL HYGIENISTS' ASSOCIATION

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We founded Indiana Dental Hygienists' Association in 1946 out of a pure passion for our profession. Our goals, ambitions and inspirations have come together to form a truly amazing association that all of us are proud to be a part of.

GOALS OF THE INDIANA DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION

Promote membership and participation in the Indiana Dental Hygienists’ Association while providing for a viable financial base.
Achieve self-regulation of dental hygiene education, licensure and practice.
Promote consumer advocacy in oral health care as a part of total health.
Serve as the authoritative resource for the profession of dental hygiene.

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