Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1274423
6 BECKER'S DENTAL + DSO REVIEW - VOL. 3 AUGUST 2020 DENTAL PROFESSIONALS ADA distributes KN95 masks from national stockpile to dentists By Katie Adams T he American Dental Association is distributing 350,000 KN95 masks it received from the national stockpile to dentists in states most in need of personal protective equipment, according to a June 5 new release. The ADA obtained the masks from the HHS, Federal Emergency Management Agency and White House COVID-19 response task force. HHS promised to provide more masks in regular installments, and FEMA vowed to release up to 1.5 million more masks in the future. The ADA included 17 states and one territory in the first wave invited to receive masks, determined by results from a survey the organization conducted on which states lack PPE the most. The masks are free; recipients only need to pay for shipping. "Our main goals remain to get the masks to dentists in states we know are broadly open for patients and who have not received PPE from other sources," Jim Goodman, senior vice president of ADA Business Group, said in a news release. "We wish we could provide masks to all dentists, but right now there is a limited supply. We will continue working with federal agencies to secure more PPE." n Several California dental practices face legal claims due to inaccessible website design By Katie Adams A handful of dental practices in Southern California have received legal claims for not employing an accessible website design, according to recent re- ports from the California Dental Association. Dental practices accommodate the public, so they are re- quired to make their services accessible to people with disabilities by the Americans with Disabilities Act and state disability rights laws. Failure to construct a website accessible to individuals who are visually impaired could result in a legal claim prior to filing a lawsuit. This can pose a challenge to dentists, as there is no formal government standard for website accessibility, and com- pliance consultants often charge expensive fees. When reviewing their website for accessibility, dentists should ensure it contains the options to enlarge font size and have text read by an assistive reader. They also should consider offering an accessibility button that leads visi- tors to an accessibility information page with alternative options to connect with the practice, according to Cory Roletto, the co-owner of a dental marketing company. n Chicago dentist accused of selling illegal home COVID-19 antibody tests By Gabrielle Masson A Chicago dentist is accused of selling at-home COVID-19 antibody testing kits that are not approved by the FDA, according to CBS' WBBM-TV. A digital ad said that for just $200, individuals can join "My- COVID19 Club" with 15-minute COVID tests "for the whole fami- ly," according to WBBM-TV. Federal authorities say the website is operated by Jason Korkus, DDS, owner of Chicago-based Sonri- sa Family Dental practices. Dr. Korkus allegedly secured the tests through his dental supplier. Dr. Korkus is accused of advertising with the FDA logo for the at-home products that aren't FDA approved. There are concerns about people mishandling the tests and reading them incorrectly. The website was taken down June 17, and Dr. Korkus and Sonrisa Family Dental released the following statement to WBBM-TV: "The testing product in question was originally on the FDA's ap- proved list or awaiting the emergency use authorization. Howev- er, we ultimately decided to remain focused on the mission of our practice and, therefore, not sell this product. No testing kits were ever procured or sold by Sonrisa Family Dental. And, we have complied with the FDA's requested actions and apologize for any confusion we may have caused." n