John,

I wanted to forward you another example of the incredible work Senator
Collins is doing during COVID-19. From saving businesses and keeping
employees paid through her Paycheck Protection Program, to pushing for
essential businesses such as dental offices to be re-opened, we are
truly lucky to have Senator Collins fighting tirelessly for Mainers in
Washington!

Best regards,

Dr. Demi Kouzounas
Chair Maine Republican Party

For Immediate Release

Contact: Annie Clark /Christopher
Knight

May 12, 2020
202-224-2523

Senator Collins Seeks Clarification from CDC Director on Reopening
Dental Practices

Click HERE to watch Senator Collins'
Q&A with Dr. Redfield.  Click HERE

to download.

Washington, D.C.-This morning, U.S. Senator Susan Collins relayed to
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Robert
Redfield the frustration she has heard from dentists across Maine who
have been unable to reopen their practices despite following strict
infection control protocols. Senator Collins also emphasized the health
consequences of dental office closures.

"Dentists tell me that teeth with cavities that could have been filled
are now going to need root canals. Teeth that could have been treated
with root canals are now going to require extractions. People with oral
cancers cannot get the treatment, the cleanings, that they need before
beginning their treatment," said Senator Collins.

Dental practices in 47 other states have reopened or have a day set to
reopen, but official guidance from the CDC has yet to be issued.

"[M]y question to you is this," Senator Collins told Dr. Redfield. "If
dentists are following the American Dental Association guidelines; if
they're instituting strict protective measures for their patients,
their staffs, their hygienists, and themselves; and if they're closely
examining and seeing a decline in the number of COVID-19 infections in
their county, are these reasonable factors for states to consider in
reopening the practice of dentistry?"

Dr. Redfield agreed with Senator Collins that it is important to follow
the American Dental Association's guidelines and said that the CDC is
working on providing specific guidance for dental practices.

Following today's hearing, Maine Department of Health and Human
Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew announced that unless Maine
receives updated CDC guidance by May 18th, the state will defer to the
recommendations of the American Dental Association and Maine Dental
Association.

Senator Collins, a member of the Senate Health Committee, made those
comments at a hearing focused on what federal, state and local
governments are doing to help Americans go back to work and back to
school as rapidly and safely as possible. Today's hearing featured
testimony from officials at HHS-including the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH),
and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

###
_________________

Sent to [email protected]

Unsubscribe:
[link removed]

Maine GOP, 9 Higgins Street, Augusta, Maine 04330, United States