04/03/2020
There has arguably never been a more powerful time in any of our lives to ask ourselves this question: “What else can I do?”
It is widely understood that our medical community is facing a shortage of masks and medical equipment which will be needed to treat COVID-19 patients in the coming weeks and months.
Most Dentists, like us, are only treating dental emergencies, which serves a critical need to help prevent people from ending up in the Emergency Room. Besides emergencies, we are canceling all other routine appointments so as to not require additional limited medical supplies. Keeping our doors temporarily closed - except for emergencies - allows masks and other supplies to go to hospitals which have the greatest need.
In addition to rescheduling routine care and limiting our use of medical supplies, all Dentists need to look at our medical supplies inventory and donate what we can to help the shortage happening right now. That’s what we’re doing at all eight of our practice locations. We’re just one small business, but throughout Ohio, and throughout our country, there are many Dental practices like us. Until manufacturers are able to keep up with the demand needed for medical equipment, or new technology to clean existing masks is approved by the FDA, we believe that working together to give whatever surplus we can give is the best solution available.
Soon the Doctors and Nurses treating COVID-19 won’t be strangers that we read about in newspapers from overseas - they will be our neighbors, friends, family (including my sister, who is a Nurse). And so will the patients. Perhaps we will become patients ourselves.
I expect many of my peers in the Dental (and Veterinary) industry are already making donations as we are. I’m asking you to please share what you’re donating to encourage others who haven’t yet. If every small practice in this country unites in this effort, we can help bridge this supply gap and help keep our beloved and most-critical medical practitioners safe. Please post your efforts and tag to keep this going.
Let’s remember that we have been given the chance to define our future by our individual actions in this critical moment. Then let’s each consider the question -“What else can I do?” - to create a greater good through ourselves.
Stay well and thank you,
Dr. Bryan Basom