03/16/2020
ATTN: WE ARE CLOSING OUR CLINIC DUE TO COVID-19
URGENT (CORONAVIRUS) COVID-19 UPDATES
As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Governor Tim Walz’s recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, including the call for all seniors over the age of 65 and residents with chronic conditions to self-isolate at home, the Minnesota Dental Association is requesting the cooperation of all Minnesota dentists and issuing the following guidance:
The Minnesota Dental Association in conjunction with the Minnesota Board of Dentistry strongly recommends that dentists practicing in Minnesota voluntarily suspend nonessential or non-urgent dental care for the next 14 days. As always, it is expected that dentists will continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services.
MDA does not make this request lightly, and it is being done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in "flattening the curve" in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus.
Our collective actions now will determine the spread of COVID-19, and this recommendation is being made after careful deliberation and in consultation with state and national public health experts. We believe by taking these extraordinary precautions, dentists can make a difference in helping to preserve the limited supply of personal protective equipment critical for emergency dental care and frontline health care personnel responding to the pandemic. We recognize the gravity of these extreme measures and are sensitive to the economic impact of such actions. The MDA will advocate on behalf of all dentists in Minnesota for economic relief packages.
We understand you will have questions about what to do next following this announcement. For regular updates follow us on Facebook and share MDA’s COVID-19 (coronavirus) updates with your social networks to circulate this news with our dental community.
We understand that there are numerous questions regarding unemployment insurance, access to economic relief loans, paid sick time etc. The MDA is doing the best to gather information and resources as quickly and accurately as we can. The MDA has also set up a webpage with links to various resources. www.mndental.orgvirus. We appreciate your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation.
The Minnesota Dental Association is a statewide professional membership organization representing Minnesota-licensed dentists and dental students.
