The ADA News (4/15, Garvin) reports that in an April 9 video interview with Dr. Betsy Shapiro, director of the ADA Center for Professional Success and host of the ADA podcast, “Beyond the Mouth,” ADA President Chad P. Gehani spoke about the Association’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The American Dental Association has our back,” Dr. Gehani said. “We want to be the primary resource for the practicing dental community,” and “we want to pass on information that is evidence-based, that is science based, and that is very much factual.” Dr. Gehani emphasized the importance of safety at this time, stating that “as the leader of our community, the ADA has to follow what’s right for all of us, what’s right for all of our patients.” While the ADA’s interim recommendation is for dentists to postpone nonurgent procedures until April 30, Dr. Gehani said that “dentists need to follow what’s being asked of them in their own states – either by their state boards or by their governors.”

For the latest updates about issues surrounding COVID-19, visit ADA.org/virus.