PPE + OFFICE OPERATIONS RESOURCES

The AAO is committed to connect you with the resources you need as you continue to navigate changes brought on by COVID-19. We are here to help you protect your patients, your staff and your practice. Among those challenges are the decisions about:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Operational guidance
• Employee Health
• Infection control
• Updated patient forms
• Virtual consultations & appointments
• Patient communications
• Guidance for COVID-19 Resurgence

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE has long been a reality for orthodontic practices but has taken on new importance in the COVID-19 era. The AAO is committed to helping you connect with the specific equipment you need for N-AGP and AGP, when you need it. The AAO is in regular communication with our industry suppliers in order to identify those best positioned and willing to fulfill large orders from AAO members in a cost-efficient and time-efficient manner. PPE availability includes masks, face shields, gowns and gloves. Some suppliers also offer office supplies such as thermometers and sneeze guards.

• Purchasing PPE
  
• Interim Orthodontic PPE Summary from OSHA and CDC
• Interim Mask and Face Shield Guidelines
• Understanding Mask Types
• Donning PPE: Put on N95 Respirator
• Doffing PPE: Remove the N95 Respirator
• PPE Protocols for the Orthodontic Team
• Alert: FDA Issues Warning About Hand Sanitizers Containing Methanol

Operational Guidance

Whether you’re still preparing to reopen or have been open for months, it’s always good to review your plans to ensure you are on the right track for your patients and the rest of your staff. This includes having scripted responses to address patient concerns, and communicate office policies regarding PPE, appointment scheduling, waiting room procedures and more. Here are some resources to help you get started.

American Dental Association Return to Work Toolkit

Employee Health

The AAO has developed a fillable PDF for your use in tracking staff health, including temperatures and any reported symptoms.

• Employee Screening Form
  
• Portfolio Form
• Video: Testing Positive
  
• Handling Positive Tests
  
• Risk Assessment
  
• Return-to-Work Criteria
• Break Room Safety

Infection Control

Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS,  reviews current information on COVID-19 and the CDC and OSHA Guidance for safe care.

• Webinar: COVID-19: CDC & OSHA Guidance for Ortho
• AJO-DO Aerosol-Generating Procedures

Updated Patient Forms

As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic demands that you track the health of your patients and staff like never before. These forms can help you get started.

Patient Communications

Staying in touch with your patients is important. In our comprehensive guide and the blog posts linked below, we’ll help you reach out to and reassure your patients as they come back to your office.

• AAO Guide to Patient Communication
  
• My Orthodontist’s Office Has Re-Opened: Is it Safe to Go?
  
• What Your Orthodontist Wants You to Know During This Time
  
• Handling Orthodontic Issues at Home

AAO Advocacy Resources and Guidance for COVID-19 Resurgence

As you are likely aware, parts of the United States and Canada are experiencing a resurgence in COVID-19 positive tests and hospitalization numbers. This development may cause state and/or local governmental authorities to consider (or in some cases, impose) a second round of business closure requirements. As with the first round of business closings, the AAO continues to recommend that members monitor and abide by any business closing restrictions imposed by your state and/or local authorities. 

However, the AAO also recognizes the extreme burden that these restrictions may have on members’ practices and patients as in-person appointments have experienced interruptions for an extended period of time. The AAO has provided members with a wide range of resources to minimize the disruption, including the AAO’s COVID-19 resource webpage and the work of the AAO’s COVID-19 Task Force.

As part of our ongoing effort to assist members and avoid new COVID-19-related closures, the AAO is equipping component and constituent leadership with resources for advocating before governmental authorities regarding additional business closures.

An important reminder is that active orthodontic treatment is considered emergent care in many state and local jurisdictions – if not providing orthodontic care would result in harm to the patient.

Resources:

• Business Interruption Toolkit
• Guidance for Dental Practices from CDC
• Guidance from the ADA on Emergent Care

ONLINE LEARNING RESOURCES

COVID-19 is an educational experience for all of us in so many ways. The AAO is committed to ensuring you and your staff have the knowledge and information you need to handle the unique challenges of running a practice in this environment.

Your CE Passport includes COVID-19 content

Educational content is easier and more convenient than ever, thanks to the AAO’s CE Passport. One subscription unlocks complimentary registration to our monthly live educational series, plus unlimited access to over 500 hours of online, on-demand courses, available anytime, anywhere, from any device. Also upgrade to our Doctor + Staff plan for more savings, including staff membership in our Orthodontic Staff Club.

• Purchase CE Passport – Doctor
• Purchase CE Passport – Doctor + Staff 

COVID-19 Webinars for CE 

• COVID-19 Shaping the Business of Orthodontics Today, Tomorrow and Years to Come
• High Touch Patient Contact in the Age of Social Distancing
• Leverage Your Downtime for a Strong Recovery
• Meeting the Six Misses of Risk Management
• How to Engage Your Employees and Power Through a Crisis as a Team
• Don’t Wait! 5 Actions to Perfect Your Inventory Management During Patient Downtime
• COVID-19 PART 2: Shaping the Business of Orthodontics Today, Tomorrow and Years to Come
• OSHA – Safety after the Curve

Listen to the AAO Townhall Featuring Expert Advice for COVID-19 Issues

In case you missed it on Tuesday, July 28, listen to the recording of AAO’s COVID-19 Townhall. AAO President, Dr. Chris Roberts, hosted a panel of subject matter experts on COVID-19 issues for AAO members. A recorded version of this event is now available to view in its entirety. Tune in for COVID-19 analysis, guidance and information from Dr. Mike Durbin (Chair, AAO COVID-19 Task Force), Paul Edwards (CEDR Human Resources), Dan Wicker, CPA (Cain Watters & Associates), and Jackie Dorst, RDH, BS. Please note that this program is not for CE. 

View webinar

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: