• Company outlines five steps to overcome Americans’ “dental health dilemma”

PITTSBURGH, PA, April 21, 2020 — A study commissioned by the North American Dental Group (“NADG”), a leading U.S. Dental Service Organization, has shown an overwhelming number of Americans have significant concerns about seeking dental treatment during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Almost three-quarters of those who participated in the survey (71 percent) reported that they are uncomfortable visiting their dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic for a non-time sensitive dental procedure. A majority (54 percent) would be comfortable doing so in case of a dental emergency.

Not surprisingly, 77 percent of respondents said they were concerned about their personal health and safety during the pandemic. However, only 42 percent of Americans are confident that their dentist is prepared to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at their office, according to the results of the survey. This disconnect presents a challenge for dentist offices to ensure patients they are taking adequate measure to protect their health and safety during emergency care and, importantly, when they resume routine dental care.

The study also found that 43 percent of Americans have either delayed a dental check-up, a needed dental procedure, or developed a new dental issue during the social distancing period.

“The findings are worrying as a significant number of Americans are putting off dental care, whether by choice or to comply with national and state guidelines, which could lead to meaningful problems in the future. However, it is understandable that concern regarding overall health and safety is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. Andrew Matta, NADG Chief Medical Officer. “To be clear, patients should only visit the dentist if they have a dental emergency, and they should consult with their dentist prior to visiting the office to confirm the necessity of the visit.”

Other findings include:
– 56 percent are not sure if health organizations have issued protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in dental offices.

– There is significant confusion amongst Americans as to whether dental offices are even open during the COVID-19 pandemic. 39 percent believe that offices are open only for emergencies, 27 percent think that offices are closed, and 34 percent are not sure.

– Half of Americans believe the most important consideration for visiting their dentist during the pandemic is knowing whether there have been any known cases of COVID-19 in their office.

– Other factors for visiting their dentist include:

• If they are following CDC guidelines for containing the spread of COVID-19 (43 percent)
• If they are taking medical precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during exams (40 percent)
• If/how they are screening patients for COVID-19 before dental treatments (40 percent)

The poll revealed Americans are simply concerned about personal health and safety overall during COVID19 and that concern increases with age. 77 percent of those surveyed said they were concerned, 65 percent for those 18-34 years old, 77 percent for those 35-54 and 86 percent for those over age 55.

To overcome what Dr. Matta is calling Americans’ “dental health dilemma”, patients who must visit their dentist should follow these five steps:

1. Contact your dentist to determine if you require treatment for a dental emergency or if it can wait. Your dentist may ask to connect via a video call to better assess the need for immediate care.
2. Only seek care if you are healthy and do not suspect that you have been exposed to COVID-19. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are concerned that you may have been exposed, work with your dentist to determine an appropriate plan.
3. Arrive on time for your appointment by yourself. Anyone accompanying you to the appointment should expect to wait outside the office.
4. Maintain social distancing, as possible, and good hygiene when you are in the office. If you have a wait, sit at least six feet away from any other patients. Ask to wash your hands before and after your procedure and avoid touching your face.
5. Ensure you understand and follow any provided discharge instructions so you return to health as soon as possible and avoid the need for any unnecessary follow-up care.

“Across the country, the NADG team is putting our communities first, whether through the donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare systems, volunteering their time, or treating dental emergencies,” said Ken Cooper, NADG CEO. “Each NADG affiliate that is open to treat emergency dental procedures is taking added steps to ensure that our patients, team members, and dentists are protected, including screening patients before they enter the practice, limiting access to the waiting room, using appropriate PPE, and frequently sanitizing all surfaces. We want our patients to know that while any nonemergency dental procedure should wait, if an emergency requires a visit to a NADG supported office, they can have the confidence that we’re prioritizing their safety.”
This survey was conducted by NADG on April 3-6, 2020 in partnership with YouGov, an international Internet-based market research and data analytics firm. The survey answers were gathered from 1,270 total sample adults 18+ in the United States, with a margin of error of +/- 2.75 percent.

About North American Dental Group

North American Dental Group (“NADG”), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was co-founded by Ken Cooper and Dr. Andrew Matta in 2008. NADG was created to transform the dental experience for its patients, clinicians, and its support teams and today consists of a network of over 230 dental practices in 15 states and 29 regional markets. The values of maintaining an emotionally intelligent approach, to be thoughtful educators, and to display a healthy bravado fuel our day-to-day patient care and operations. These founding values are alive and well as NADG celebrates its pioneer spirit by solidifying its partnership with Jacobs Holding AG.

NADG, which is based in Pittsburgh, provided an initial supply of 5,000 N95 respirators today. The supply reinforces NADG’s commitment to care for the communities it serves by consistently goes above and beyond its core dentistry focus.

“We are proud and pleased to be able to help out the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who are caring for their patients and battling COVID-19 on the frontlines during this pandemic,” said Andrew Matta, chief medical officer and co-founder of NADG. “Given the significant and increasing demand for PPE across the country, we leapt into action and were able to secure these N-95 masks.”

“As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re working around the clock to secure the critical supplies necessary to prepare for a potential surge of patients across our facilities in the days and weeks to come,” said Cynthia Hundorfean, President and CEO, AHN. “We are extremely grateful to the North American Dental Group for supporting these efforts. Their contribution speaks to the importance of organizations across every industry coming together in a time of crisis to meet the needs of our communities.”

As health care providers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, the masks have become critical resources that remain in short supply due to the pandemic-related surge in patient volumes across the country, related supply chain challenges as well as interruptions among international manufacturers of the equipment.

In addition to this delivery of PPE, NADG is also supporting front line medical professionals by keeping open during the pandemic some of its supported dental practices, including Refresh Dental and Precision Dental Specialty, to provide emergency dental care. Providing treatment for dental emergencies in dental practices keeps these patients out of over-stressed medical facilities and allows front line medical professionals to focus on caring for patients affected by the pandemic.

About North American Dental Group
North American Dental Group (NADG), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was co-founded by Ken Cooper and Dr. Andrew Matta in 2008. NADG was created to transform the dental experience for its patients, clinicians, and its support teams and today consists of a network of over 230 dental practices in 15 states and 29 regional markets. The values of maintaining an emotionally intelligent approach, to be thoughtful educators, and to display a healthy bravado fuel our day-to-day patient care and operations. These founding values are alive and well as NADG celebrates its pioneer spirit by solidifying its partnership with Jacobs Holding AG.

About the Allegheny Health Network:
Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org), a Highmark Health company, is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region.  The Network is composed of 12 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home and community based health services, a research institute and a group purchasing organization. The Network provides patients with access to a complete spectrum of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women’s health, diabetes and more.  AHN employs approximately 21,000 people, has more than 2,500 physicians on its medical staff and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dear NADG Family:

This season of life will forever change us all. My heart is with all of you, especially as many of us are either working on the front lines or we are now temporarily furloughed and looking for answers that we can anchor to for hope and optimism.

I also want to take this moment to be both hopeful and optimistic, while offering a candid and transparent view of the overall situation.

Our future is uncertain and we are navigating unchartered waters. Each day I awaken and rush to my iPhone looking for good news to share, but unfortunately the news will get worse before it gets better. Now more than ever, we need to focus on the opportunity to support each other, be here for each other, and exemplify this movement to flatten the curve and be responsible loving neighbors. Now is a time to lean in wherever and however you can, and to help those around you. A simple note of thanks and a gesture of “I’m thinking of or praying for you” to a friend or neighbor or a simple sharing of gratitude at dinner with your family. It’s the little things that help lift the spirits of those around us. Please take moment and think about your role here, because we all play a part in getting through this together.

I would also like to take this time to thank our teammates that are continuing to work the front lines in the many locations that are open and serving our patients with essential and emergency dental needs in the communities we serve. I want each of you to know that we are with you, we are working hard to ensure you have the PPE you need, and we are here to make sure you feel supported and loved through this very difficult time. You are my personal heroes; your courage is awe-inspiring and a testament to our best in class philosophy of care. You exemplify our core values and our CARE IS cultural norms. Thank you for keeping our emergency rooms and primary physicians free from dental emergencies so they can treat the patients that are severely affected by this pandemic.

For those of us on furlough right now, home schooling our children, or caring for our elderly family and neighbors, I want each of you to know that we are here for you too. The NADG HR team has been working non-stop gathering information to assist each of you. More to come on this topic and please take a moment to check your emails for announcements when you have the time. We will continue to use email as our primary form of global communication through this crisis.

Lastly, I want to share a personal story with each of you in hopes to bring some level of human experience to the conversation.

Just shy of two years ago, I was faced with a complicated surgery that had a material mortality rate associated with it. In January 2018, I became very sick and my primary care team felt it was time to move to more aggressive measures to avoid future chances of recurrence. They encouraged me to proceed with surgery as my best option. I was very afraid. I was vulnerable and I was forced to turn my life over to both God’s grace and the hands of a surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. For the first time in my adult life, I was facing my own mortality. I found myself worried about my wife, Melissa, and our kids, as well as the entire NADG organization. What if something goes wrong with my surgery and it is my time to leave this earth, will they all be ok? Who will walk with Bella and Sophia for their weddings? Who will be a father figure to Syrus and teach him to be a caring and compassionate man? Who will be there to support my older children, Keith, Hannah, and Claudia, as they step out into life as adults? And, lastly, who will handle the responsibilities that I handle at NADG if I’m gone? All of this and much more consumed me for weeks leading up to the surgery.

Well, here we are two years later, and I’m still here, NADG is thriving, and I still have the chance to hopefully walk with my beautiful girls on their wedding day, be an active and present father figure to Syrus, give my older children adult advice, and serve my family at NADG in whatever capacity I can. And I would be remiss not to mention, that it is truly my honor to serve each of you and this organization.

A few months after my surgery, I had some idle time on my hands during my recovery and I realized that because everything had happened so fast, I didn’t have time to prepare a message for my kids in the event of my unforeseen absence. I had left nothing for each of them to anchor to and remember me for. For the younger kids, I did not give clear direction of what I want them to stand for and what I want for them out of this beautiful and wonderful, breath taking, roller coaster ride of life.

So, with my trusty gu-lele (guitar meets ukulele) in hand, I wrote them all a song, with the intention of memorializing my hope and optimism for each of them as they move on in life, far away from this life at home with Mom and Dad. The basic themes of the song were encouraging them to let their heart shine brightly, find true love, and comfortably place their faith in God, while showing tolerance, patience, and kindness to those around them.

These are uncertain times and we are all feeling very vulnerable right now, much like I worried about two years ago around my surgery. I look back with hindsight now and realize that “this too shall pass” and we will come through this together. Arm in arm, as sisters and brothers, with love, compassion, patience and kindness as our constant North Stars. We will survive, we will thrive, we will shine, and we will serve others.

I hope you enjoy the video and the song. It is now equally intended for all of you, my work family, as it is for my children and immediate family.

May God bless and keep you all safe and healthy. Take care of yourself and your families.

With love and gratitude,

Ken

With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to escalate around the world, North American Dental Group (NADG), in partnership with the Professional Dental Alliance (PDA) and its Dental Advisory Board (DAB), and as one of the leading Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) in the nation, has developed and integrated an innovative “Essential-Treatment Only” model and advanced infection control procedures, which the organization is now sharing with dental practices across to the globe to help limit exposure to this virus. Those guidelines are now available to any dental practice at www.covid19dentalresources.com.

“Dentists, in particular, are among the most vulnerable to coronavirus exposure. We wanted to use our collaborative group model to pioneer a new restricted treatment approach that helps minimize the risk, while ensuring we can still provide essential and emergency care,” said NADG CEO Ken Cooper. “While we’ve already implemented this approach across all NADG-supported practices, we wanted to be proactive and share our tools and resources with all dental organizations. We’ve been collaborating with dental organizations from around the globe to help them integrate the same model and approach.”

According to Cooper, “It is a collective effort to help to ‘flatten the curve.’ This public health pandemic requires a group effort, and NADG, along with the PDA and its Dental Advisory Board, are proud to take a leadership role in that effort.”

Essential-Treatment Only Model

The PDA, which is comprised of dentists and owns all NADG supported practices, spent several weeks developing updated clinical guidance for its practices to follow during the continued pandemic.

The Dental Advisory Board defined a list of Essential vs. Non-essential Treatments which helps team members and dentists in its practices make decisions about which procedures to postpone to a future date and which to maintain on schedule.

“There have been guidelines on essential and non-essential care before. But they often lead to more questions. With that context in mind, our Dental Advisory Board wanted to create clear definitions that dentists can use to make educated, thoughtful decisions that are in the best interest of their patients,” said NADG Chief Medical Officer Dr. Andrew Matta. “Dental practices need to be open in communities to serve critical dental needs, so

these patients do not burden the medical system by relying on emergency medical services. The Essential- Treatment Only model helps practices do that while ensuring the health and safety of dentists, their team members, and their patients.”

To help dental practices outside of its network, NADG has consulted and collaborated with dentistry boards in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and several other states, as well as U.S.-based associations such as the Association of Dental Support Organizations and The Dental Entrepreneur Organization.

In addition, NADG is working globally in partnership with Straumann USA to help the European based DSO Experience Exchange develop guidelines for the Essential-Treatment Only model. “We believe we have created a model that can help the entire industry continue to provide essential care during this crisis. This model also ensures that primary care and emergency rooms on the front lines are not dealing with dental emergencies so they can be focused on COVID-19,” said Dr. Matta.

Infection Control Procedures for Dental Practices

NADG’s Dental Advisory Board also developed advanced infection control procedures and protocols to help dental practices ensure the health and safety of their team members and patients. These include:

• Standard Operating Procedures for monitoring the temperatures of team members, patients and guests
• Procedure for front desk sign-ins
• Risk survey for screening patients
• Regular updates and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to help control the community spread of the virus, including social distancing
• Infection control and enhanced cleaning protocol
• Response protocol if a team member or patient is infected with the coronavirus
• Temporary travel policy
• Procedures for closing a practice
• COVID-19 response workflow
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment

ABOUT NORTH AMERICAN DENTAL GROUP

North American Dental Group (NADG), based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was co-founded by Ken Cooper and Dr. Andrew Matta in 2008. NADG was created to transform the dental experience for its patients, clinicians, and its support teams and today consists of a network of over 230 dental practices in 15 states and 29 regional markets. The values of maintaining an emotionally intelligent approach, to be thoughtful educators, and to display a healthy bravado fuel our day-to-day patient care and operations. These founding values are alive and well as NADG celebrates its pioneer spirit by solidifying its partnership with Jacobs Holding AG.

NORTH AMERICAN DENTAL GROUP WELCOMES KIDS FIRST PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS ORTHODONTICS

North American Dental Group (NADG) is proud to welcome Kids First Pediatric Dentistry and First Impressions Orthodontics to its group of affiliated dental practices. These practices offer best-in-class pediatric dentistry and orthodontic care specializing in the needs of children and young adults. They care for their patients in three Connecticut-based offices located in Fairfield, Monroe, and Norwalk.

Kids First Pediatric Dentistry and First Impressions Orthodontics are comprised of highly regarded dental specialists and support teams led by three servant leaders: Drs. Cass Burrell, Jennifer Epstein, and Greg Mokotoff.

Dr. Cass Burrell received his BS from Brigham Young University and continued to pursue his dental career at University of Pittsburgh attaining his DMD with high honors. He attended Boston University where he received his certificate in orthodontics.  Dr. Burrell is the son of a dentist and credits his father for inspiring his career ambition in dentistry at a very young age.

Dr. Jennifer Epstein received her DMD while attending Harvard University School of Dental Medicine and completed her pediatric dental residency at the UCLA School of Dentistry. Dr. Epstein is dedicated to making the patient experience enjoyable with a focus on prevention and education.

Dr. Greg Mokotoff received his DMD from The College of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University and completed his pediatric dental residency at Temple University Hospital. Dr. Mokotoff is passionate about giving back to underserved children and has volunteered at the Connecticut Mission of Mercy and dental missions to Haiti and Guatemala.

Please join us in welcoming Drs. Burrell, Epstein, and Mokotoff and their teams to NADG.

For more information about Kids First Pediatric Dentistry and First Impressions Orthodontics, please visit www.kidsfirstdentistry.com.

Dr. Vincent Carrao founded Palisades Oral Surgery in 1999. Dr. Carrao received his DDS from Columbia University’s dental school. Upon graduation, he was accepted to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where he earned his MD in 1997. Throughout his career, Dr. Carrao has held prestigious designations to include serving on the Board of Directors for the New York State Society of Oral Maxillofacial Surgeons and as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is affiliated with prestigious hospitals in the Greater New York area including The Mount Sinai Hospital where he is currently the Chief of the Division of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and the Program Director of the Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program.

Dr. Carrao practices the full scope oral and maxillofacial surgery including office based cosmetic and major reconstructive surgery.

Please help us welcome Dr. Carrao and his team to NADG.

to its group of affiliated dental practices.  The practices provide best-in-class reconstructive, cosmetic and

implant dental services in their New York-based offices located in New York City and Scarsdale.

Dr. Gary Kaye founded both Kaye Dentistry and Personal Care Dental of Westchester. Dr. Kaye received his

DDS degree from Columbia School of Oral Medicine and graduated from the prestigious Dawson Center for

Advanced Dental Training. During his educational pursuits, he received numerous awards and citations

including dean’s list awards in prosthodontics, endodontics, and geriatric dentistry. In addition, Dr. Kaye is

the founder and director of the New York Center for Digital Dentistry and the co-founder and chairman for

BioDental Sciences. He is also a passionate supporter and volunteer for the Open Wide Foundation, whose

mission is to change the state of oral health in impoverished communities and build new clinics in

conjunction with local government support and investment.

Please help us welcome Dr. Gary Kaye and his team to NADG.

For more information about Kaye Dentistry and Personal Care Dental of Westchester, visit:

www.kayedentistry.com and www.mypcdw.com

Dr. David Shim is the founder of both 6 Day Dental and East Texas Dental Group. Dr. Shim received his DMD degree from Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry, and his MS degree from John Hopkins University.   His continued training in general dentistry has expanded his areas of expertise to include cosmetic and implant dentistry.  Dr. Shim is originally from South Korea.

Please help us welcome Dr. David Shim and his teams to NADG.

For more information, visit:

6 Day Dental                                     www.6daydental.com

East Texas Dental Group               www.easttxdentalassociates.com

Meridian Dental Specialists is comprised of highly regarded dental specialists and clinical support teams who work together to provide best-in-class endodontics and periodontics care. The group was founded in 2004 by Drs. Kent McBride, Jeffrey Minchau, and Spencer Stiles.

Dr. Kent McBride received both his undergraduate and DDS degrees from West Virginia University (WVU), and continued his educational pursuit earning his postdoctoral specialty training in endodontics in 2007. He is a member of the Monongalia Valley Dental Society, WV Dental Association, American Dental Association, and the American Association of Endodontists.

Dr. Jeffrey Minchau received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 1996 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from West Virginia University in 2000. Following graduation, Dr. Minchau practiced general dentistry in Johnstown for two years until he returned to complete the post-doctoral specialty program in endodontics at WVU.  Dr. Minchau is a professional member of the Monongalia Valley Dental Society, Allegheny & Garrett County Dental Society, WV Dental Association (where he has served on the executive council), American Dental Association, and the American Association of Endodontists.

Dr. Spencer Stiles received his undergraduate degree from West Virginia University in Forensic Identification. He graduated from the WVU School of Dentistry and continued to obtain his postdoctoral specialty degree in Endodontics.

Please help us welcome Drs. McBride, Minchau, and Stiles and their team to NADG.

For more information about Meridian Dental Specialists, visit: www.meridiandentalsolutions.com

Dr. Evan Chafitz founded Scarsdale Oral Surgery in 1995. Dr. Chafitz received his DMD degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and completed his residency at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Metropolitan Hospital Center, New York Medical College. Throughout his career, Dr. Chafitz has held prestigious designations having served as the section chief at both Metropolitan Hospital Center and Our Lady of Mercy in New York as well as former associate program director of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency at New York Medical College. He is a Board-Certified Surgeon, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and a fellow of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

The following 3 oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete the team of doctors at Scarsdale Oral Surgery:

Dr. Andrew Breiman received his DDS from New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Breiman is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), member of the International College of Implantology and fellow of the American College of Dentistry (FACD). He is past president of both the Yonkers Dental Society and NY State Society of Dental Anesthesia. He is attending at St. John’s Riverside Hospital since 1983.

Dr. Matthew Lalli is a graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst where he received his BS in Chemistry.  He continued his education at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine where he received his DDS degree and then entered the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program at Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College.

Dr. Timothy Leung is a graduate of the University of Toronto School of Public Health (MPH), the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Weill Cornell Medical College (MD). He received training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and general surgery from the New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he also served as Chief Resident in the Department of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Dr. Leung is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and Assistant Attending Surgeon at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Please help us welcome Drs. Breiman, Chafitz, Lalli, and Leung and their team to NADG.

For more information about Scarsdale Oral Surgery, visit: www.scarsdaleoralsurg.com