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These are without a doubt unprecedented times for our generation of dental professionals. In response to these circumstances, Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS, president and CEO of Cellerant Consulting Group,orchestrated a meeting on Friday between the leadership of the American Dental Association (ADA) and members of the dental media. In a 90-minute video conference, Dr. Shuman moderated a discussion that was intended to provide clarity and insight into the current situation.Iwas honored to attend the meeting.

In this article, I'll review the press conference and highlight key details that have not fully made their way to the general dental community.

To open the meeting, Dr. Shumanaccurately described the magnitude of the situation. "We currently face one of the most serious challenges in our lifetime," he said. "It is [impacting] our health, our lives, and the lives of our families and friends...our way of life, our economy, our own finances, and our profession. [...] How do we define 'safe' and how do we get clarity when there is so much noise?

The president of the ADA, ChadGehani, DDS,spoke first. He gave an overview of the pandemic timeline and discussed actions the ADA had taken. The ADA, Dr. Gehani said, had met with scientists, epidemiologists, and experts in every field. After doing so, the association made the difficult decision to recommend that dentists refrain from elective procedures. The decision was made in order to:

Dr. Gehani said the ADA will continue their advocacy efforts and update their resources and recommendations as new information comes to light. He further stated that theADA's Return to Work Interim Guidance Toolkithas had over 100,000 downloads, and that it is a comprehensive yet evolving tool to aid dental practices that are preparing to resume elective patient care.

The floor was then opened for questions. The following topics were covered: liability, the dentistdental hygienist relationship, support for dentists, public perception, the ADAs response, testing, and PPE. The ADA gave us their perspective of each issue. Some responses to the questions were predictable, but some interesting and new information was offered. Here are six key takeaways:

I would like to acknowledge Dr.Gehaniand the ADA executive team for listening and responding to the concerns of the dental community. It is my hope that this is the beginning of open and candid communications between the ADA and the dental media. I would also like to acknowledge Dr. Lou Shuman and his concern for the dental community. It is heart-warming and inspiring.

While it may never be scientifically proven that the prolonged closure of dental practices resulted in the mitigation of the spread of COVID-19 in our respective communities, I agree with Dr.Gehani: We will get through this.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor ofDentistryIQ.Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Munizowns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics.

Editor's note:This article first appeared in theMorning Briefing, a daily newsletter published byDental Economics,DentistryIQ,Perio-Implant Advisory, andRDH.Learn more and subscribe here.

Forfull coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, visit theDentistryIQCOVID-19 Resource Center.

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ADA provides COVID-19 update in first-of-its-kind press conference to dental media - Dentistry IQ