Tripartite Update

Your membership working for you!

Submitted by Lauryne Vanderhoof, DDS, Grand Rapids WMDDS Associate Editor

ADA

n The ADA 9th District held its pre-caucus on September 17th in preparation for the virtual ADA House of Delegates held on

October 15–19.

n ADA Advocacy: Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act passes

House and moves to the Senate.

n ADA continues to be a source free pain management virtual

for up-to-date COVID-19

WMDDS

n All CE and in person meetings have been canceled through the end of this year.

n The WMDDS component partnered with the MDA to provide information.

CE held on September 23rd.

MDA

n Dr. Meraw and Dr. Gingrich met with the State’s Chief medical officer and stated that dental offices are well positioned to meet the challenge if there is a second wave of COVID-19 in the fall, and the MDA has adopted an interim policy stating that dentistry is essential health care and should remain open if there is a resurgence of COVID-19.

n Blue Cross Blue Shield donated $1 million worth of PPE to Michigan dentists, and the MDA reports that 3,470 dentists signed up for these supplies.

n MDA dentists and staff testified on a bill to explain dental specialties recognized in Michigan. The bill is gaining traction and recently was passed in the House Health Policy Committee unanimously. Also, the

MDA advocated for expanded functions for Registered Dental Assistants.