257: Update from the ADA and HR - Dr. Rich Rosato and Robyn Reis from Bent Ericksen

Update from the ADA and HR

Episode #257 with Dr. Rich Rosato and Robyn Reis from Bent Ericksen

Dr. Rich Rosato and Robyn Reis make a guest appearance to update listeners on the ADA’s work and current HR concerns. They emphasizes the importance of understanding and implementing various safety protocols to protect patients and staff. They cover the role dentists might play in the roll-out of vaccinations as well as an admonition to remain skeptical of “instant” Covid19 testing, which can be unreliable. Robyn also goes through specific situations to consider when exposures do occur with patients and team members.

Rich shares a bit about the status of PPP legislation and recommends members consider joining the non-partisan “Tooth Party” and refrain from letting the nation’s current political division distract from the important work of advancing the health and well-being of patients.

Robyn’s message is clear: Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. She runs through a number of protocols that dental practices can establish in order to respond to Covid-19 exposure most effectively. Contacting local public health authorities in your state is the first step. Developing strong PPE protocols and ground rules for lunchrooms and team meetings are also cornerstones of a robust plan.

Main Takeaways

Protocols to follow if you or a patient receives a Covid19 diagnosis. (5:02)

Be prepared to meet specific governmental policies and procedures. (8:00)

The status of vaccinations and the potential role for dental practices. (12:25)

Cautionary note about Covid19 testing reliability and availability. (14:30)

Status of PPP relief and legislative goals (16:50)

Understanding the Family First Coronavirus Act (FFCRA). (25:40)

Defining the Americans with Disabilities Act and employer responsibilities with regard to HIPAA. (28:03)

What happens if the doctor tests positive and the practice has to close? (29:51)

Steps when someone from your team has been exposed (43:54)

Key Quotes

“Dentistry is essential care. If there's anything we figured out during the first parts of the pandemic it was that oral care that goes untouched, undiagnosed, unviewed, unchecked starts to become an oral health crisis.”

“At this time they're treating dentistry like an emergency room or a hospital setting. Be vigilant and you’ll be able to continue to practice.”

“If I could implore you to be a dentist, to be a colleague, to be a friend boss, a compassionate person, and understand that there are no politics in a vaccine.”

“If someone reaches out to the office and says, we have testing, you'll be able to test your patients and your staff every morning in under 15 minutes, those tests are not specific enough to trust.”

“It’s inevitable that you’re going to face (a Covid19 exposure) so I would highly recommend that you come together as a team and make sure that you have a plan in place.”

“The state health department should always be your first phone call to find out about your specific situation. There’s always going to be nuances and caveats.”

“If a team member is exposed, that doesn’t mean you have to shut down. That person just needs to follow the CDC guidelines on quarantine.”

Snippets

Understanding and executing Covid19 policies and protocols. (7:58-8:34)

A percentage of patients won’t seek routine dental care without a vaccine.(10:27-11:04)

Potential role for dentists in vaccine administration, state by state. (13:20-14:24)

Use caution with regard to Covid19 testing. (14:34-15:22)

Provisions of proposed new PPP bill pending in Congress. (16:59-17:36)

It’s imperative that every dental practice have a plan. (24:36-25:10)

Layers of protection are essential to the initial response when an associate tests positive. (27:18-27:47)

The Americans With Disabilities and how it applies. (28:05-29:29)

Doctors who require staff to get tested must cover the cost.. (33:11-33:47)

Protocols when a team member is exposed to someone who has been exposed? (45:38-46:55)

Bio of Guests

Richard J. Rosato, D.M.D., is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon practicing in New Hampshire. He graduated with honors from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1994 and served as chief resident of the University of Illinois Chicago’s Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency program in 1998.

Robyn Reis is a certified HR consultant with Bent Ericksen who has spent over 20 years in medical/dental business leadership and management. She creates customized strategies to bring private dental practices lasting results and an efficient, positive environment.

Contacts

Rich’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/rich-rosato-67607033

Website: ccoralsurgery.com

Twitter: @DoctorRosato

Robyn’s Profile: linkedin.com/in/robynreisdentalcoach

Website: www.yourdentalpracticecoach.com

Twitter: @RobynReis

Resources

https://www.ada.org/viruswebsite

Dentistry as Essential Care: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S3aiEs0lWU3BtLGYqwJVFHKkH03Z-RUY/view?usp=sharing

Prevalence and Infection Control in the Dental Office: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X-HYOd8jOaAtq6WCkSVsjPE8RhZ9qxUw/view?usp=sharing