The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that $20 billion in new funding for providers, including eligible dentists, would be available in a Phase 3 General Distribution from the Provider Relief Fund created under the CARES Act. Eligible dentists can apply for funds from October 5 through November 6.
 
HHS has since published supplementary materials to assist healthcare providers through the Phase 3 Distribution process, including a fact sheet and presentation. In addition to these materials, HHS has updated its Provider Relief Fund FAQs regarding Phase 3 Overview & Eligibility, Tax Identification Number (TIN) Validation Process, and Application Process.
 
Dentists eligible for Phase 3 General Distribution funding include: 

• Dentists who previously received, rejected, or accepted a General Distribution Provider Relief Fund payment. Dentists that have already received payments of approximately 2% of annual revenue from patient care may submit more information to become eligible for an additional payment.
• Dentists that began practicing January 1, 2020, through March 31, 2020 (previously ineligible)

Impact on General Dentistry: AGD recommends that eligible dentists apply for this round of provider relief funding as soon as possible. Additionally, if dentists feel they previously received an incorrect payment or made a mistake on their previous application, they should take advantage of this opportunity. Funding will likely be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and a broad scope of healthcare providers and organizations are eligible. HHS staff are available to provide real-time technical support, as well as service and payment support, from 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. CT, Monday - Friday at (866) 569-3522. Please visit the HHS Provider Relief Fund Website for more information.