Local dental associations are beginning to learn of the damage done to dental practices by Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian.
Seven things to know:
1. The American Dental Association said in an Oct. 5 news release that it is in contact with dental societies and the need for aid to dentists is likely to increase as more information about the extent of damage brought on by the hurricanes becomes available.
2. Most damage is located on the Southwestern coast of Florida, but other states along the eastern coast were also affected.
3. Drew Eason, executive director of the Florida Dental Association, told the ADA that his organization has heard from more than 100 dentists in the state whose homes or offices were damaged, flooded or destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Officials are making wellness calls to dentists and expect to hear more once power and cell phone service are restored.
4. Although dental associations have not heard of widespread damage to dental practices in Puerto Rico, much of the island is still without power.
5. The North Carolina Dental Society has reached out to members located in areas hit the hardest by the hurricane, but they have not received responses yet.
6. The South Carolina Dental Association also has yet to hear from dentists affected by the hurricane.
7. The ADA listed several resources where dental professionals can donate to assist dentists in recovery, and for dentists affected by the hurricane to gain disaster assistance.