Thank you to all of our members for making the first ever Yankee Dental Virtual 2021 a huge success! The great thing about Yankee Virtual 2021 is that it is not really over. If you missed a live session, you will have the ability to take it on-demand. There is also an Education Library that has a variety of prerecorded sessions available until March 1, 2021. If you missed an exhibitor be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall and leave a virtual business card.
In mid-January, the state opened COVID-19 vaccination to ALL remaining Phase 1 groups in the state’s vaccine distribution plan, including dental professionals providing patient-facing care, and to eligible groups in Phase 2 beginning February 1. All dental professionals can make appointments at any of the locations providing vaccines to eligible individuals, including the state's mass vaccine sites. (Updated 2.25.21)
The MDS has been keeping members informed on crucial information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The MDS has been keeping members informed about the COVID-19 vaccine, including availability, and has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions from members. The MDS continues to monitor the situation concerning COVID-19 and will keep members informed of any new developments or recommendations. We also encourage members to continue to check the CDC, ADA, and MDPH websites for the most up-to-date resources and guidelines. (Updated 1.27.21)
The MDS is pleased to announce that Kevin C. Monteiro, CAE, has been appointed Executive Director. Monteiro, who assumed the role on January 18, has been with the MDS since 2013, most recently serving as managing director of strategy and external affairs.
Renew your MDS membership to maintain access to critical resources and benefits from the MDS, your local District Society, and the ADA, including education, protection, advocacy, and support. We provided crucial guidance to members during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to do so now as the threat of a second wave looms. We are all in this together and are committed to keeping the profession strong.
All patient-facing dental personnel became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as part of Phase 1 on January 21. The MDS urges dental professionals and their and patients and families to use the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's vaccine location map to find available sites and appointment times.
The MassHealth Dental Program restored adult dental benefits effective January 1, 2021, due to the work of advocates and the legislature in Massachusetts. MassHealth members over the age of 21 are now able to access a greater number of dental services, including root canals and crowns, in addition to other important services such as preventive and partial/complete dentures, which were previously covered.
The House of Delegates elected a new slate of Officers for 2021-2022, including Dr. Abe Abdulwaheed as Vice President, a general dentist in Quincy and former South Shore District Trustee, at its January 27 meeting, and passed three resolutions, including one approving a full-time dental school faculty dues discount.
The MDS Dentist Health and Wellness Committee invites members to join its recently launched MDS Book Club! Turn off the TV, put down the phone, dust off your reading glasses, and pick up a good book. Meetings are held via Zoom to discuss the selection and allow some socializing with colleagues.
