Practice Resources
Managing Creditors
It’s recommended that those affected by a disaster call bill collectors and notify them that you are in the impacted area. Most will delay your bill due dates for a month or two. This includes both personal and business creditors (mortgage company, cable, electricity, water, phone, credit card companies, etc.). In addition, the Florida Department of Revenue will waive penalties and interest during the period of emergency for impacted taxpayers who are unable to file returns and/or make payment of taxes on time.
Ensuring Accurate Contact Info
The FDA staff is here to help if you need to change your address on file with the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) due to a storm. Simply complete this form and the FDA will work with the BOD to ensure the address associated with your dental license is updated.
Damaged Office Equipment
Henry Schein—Dentists who have experienced operational, logistical or financial issues related to Hurricane Ian are encouraged to call the Henry Schein Customer Assistance Hotline at 800.999.9729. For technical service requests, customers can email servicerequests@henryschein.com or call dispatch at 800.645.6594, option 2. And, in order to help meet the challenges of rebuilding a practice in the wake of a natural disaster, Henry Schein has developed a Recovery Guide for Office-Based Practitioners.
Benco—Florida dentists in affected areas can call 800-Go-Benco and ask for Larry Cohen at extension 7001. Dentists impacted by Hurricane Ian will be moved to priority status for service on equipment; have no charges for service calls (in the immediate aftermath); options for extended payment terms with no finance charges; access to equipment inventory which allows for speedy replacements; and more.
Finding Licensed and Insured Contractors
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides license, insurance and consumer complaint information about building contractors and other service providers.
Dental-Specific Resources
The American Dental Association (ADA) has compiled assets for members affected by hurricanes, tropical storms, tornadoes and other disasters that include emergency planning and disaster recovery.