The New York State Dental Association is working directly with emergency management leaders across the state to coordinate efforts to collect donated personal protection equipment (PPE).
It the first week, New York dentists donated 320 N95 and level 3 surgical masks, 18,370 level 1 and 2 masks, 858 boxes of gloves, 126 eye shields, 184 gowns, and containers of Caviwipes and hand sanitizer.
In addition to the association’s efforts, local dental societies in New York have organized regional drives to collect PPE donations for hospitals in need.
“A dentist’s first priority is always to help the public,” said Payam Goudarzi, DDS, president of the New York State Dental Association.
“Even as dentists are deemed essential for emergency procedures and must still have an adequate inventory of PPE to provide patient care, they are donating supplies for frontline healthcare workers across the state,” said Goudarzi.
“They will continue to help the public in this time of uncertainty and need,” Goudarzi said.
Inventory may be donated using the online form. Once submitted, donors will be contacted directly in that region with drop-off instructions.
Also, the association notes that the New York State Department of Health has asked dentists to volunteer with the healthcare provider shortage. Dentists who can volunteer can register online or by contacting workforce@exec.ny.gov.
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