AGD joined in an Organized Dentistry Coalition (ODC) effort led by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) in sending a letter on June 1 to Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ), thanking her for introducing S.3716, the Main Street Enhancement and Safety Act. Sen. McSally’s legislation would provide loan forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for costs related to health and safety supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed an extreme strain on the supply of PPE, resulting in elevated costs for providers seeking to acquire the equipment necessary to protect patients, staff, and themselves.

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD strongly supports the legislation, as many dental practices have been incurring substantial costs related to acquiring the PPE needed to reopen their practices and provide care to their communities. With the PPP loans being widely distributed and utilized, including the costs of PPE as a forgivable expense is a commonsense change that will also help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.