The novel Coronavirus, COVID-19, has resulted in dentistry taking action to stop its spread.  The ADA has called for dentists to stop performing elective procedures until further notice to curtail the virus.  This has resulted in significant negative repercussions to the cash flows of many dentists around the country.

To address the issues stemming from actions taken by dentistry to halt the spread of COVID-19, we are asking that Congress include dentistry in any COVID-19 relief packages.  We are seeking for Congress to include these measures to help the profession:

• Easing and expediting the process for businesses to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the Small Business Administration.
• Deferring all monthly payments on federal student loans for all health care professionals, including dentists, without penalty.
• Deferring or eliminating payroll tax matching and payments, as well as deferring quarterly income tax payments for small business owners.
• Providing additional tax cuts for small businesses, which could include expanding Section 199A to include all small businesses regardless of income.
• Applying all telehealth de-regulation to virtual check-ins for dental evaluations (teledentistry) and support payment for these services within both Medicaid as well as commercial plans.
• Waiving an Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax for 2020 for small business employers with under 50 employees or freeze the current rate.  
• Requiring all business Interruption Insurance policies to cover national emergencies, including those related to diseases such as COVID-19.
• Allowing for a onetime withdrawal without penalty from an individual’s 401k.

We believe that including these policies in any COVID-19 stimulus package will help the dentists, like yourself, that are taking voluntary action to prevent any further spread of the virus.

Take action today by asking your Senators and Representative to include programs aimed at helping dentistry in any COVID-19 relief packages.