Page 7 - Bulletin Vol 25 No 2 - May-Aug 2020 - 9-2-20.pub

Message from the President

As President of the Nassau County Dental Society, I want to take this
opportunity to reflect on the society’s accomplishments in the midst of
the COVID 19 Pandemic. I believe all leaders are nothing without a
great team. I am grateful to have a great team of board members,
committee chairs, an Executive Director and office staff who have
worked hard throughout the pandemic.

These are unsettling times and each day brings new hope in dealing
with the COVID– 19 pandemic. As dental professionals, we are
vulnerable to being exposed to all kinds of infection. It is essential we

follow strict infection control measures. The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a new
norm in treating patients. The fact is undeniable that dentists have always been at the
forefront of infection control, a fact often recognized by law makers and the press. Such
recognition has helped dentistry open in the first round of business openings in New York
State. NYSDA was instrumental in helping the legislature understand the importance of
opening our offices.

As we face the challenges of COVID-19, now, more than ever, is a time to show our
commitment, professionalism, and discipline for the care we deliver to our patients. We
must prevail with courage, cooperation, and optimism. Your Dental Society has been very
active during the lock down. NCDS has provided members with necessary information on
infection control as prescribed by the CDC and the ADA. We continue to provide webinars
on different topics to meet the state education department C.E. requirements and to provide

the latest information on patient’s dental care. Upcoming webinars are available at
www.nassaudental.org .

Your Dental Society recognized the PPE shortage in the early stages of the COVID-19
outbreak. Through the hard work of our membership chair Dr. Stephen Akseizer, Executive
Director Dr. Eugene Porcelli and other volunteers, NCDS was able to help alleviate the
shortage of PPE for our members by distributing free PPE during the shutdown.

At the national level, ADA published a 22-page tool guide which is available to members at
www.ada.org. The guide provides detailed instructions for office registration, preparation of
the reception area, a chair-side check list, proper use of PPE for the office staff, doctor and
patient’s protection. Guidelines include no hand shaking to avoid physical contact and
removing objects such as magazines from the waiting area. Other guidelines call for
maintaining 6 feet between seats in the waiting areas, and, if possible allowing patients to

Nassau County Dental Society  (516) 227-1112 | 7