Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): A dental practice management emergency preparedness plan

COVID-19 emergency preparedness plan, page 5

8. Computer backup and remote access

Your entire office could possibly be shut down for 14 days. Are you prepared to access your computer systems if you are quarantined at home? What jobs in the practice can be done at home versus those that can only be done in the office?

Have your plan in place and ready. How will you communicate with patients? How will you communicate with each other? What is expected of the team over the period working from home? Which jobs and tasks or essential, and which can wait?

While you are looking at your remote access capabilities, ensure that your IT provider has installed -- and is updating -- all your virus protection systems and has the necessary security protocols in place to protect your practice data and your patient records. Don't forget about backups either.

All these questions should be addressed with a plan. Once again, we hope you do not have to experience this, but it's better to be prepared.

9. Review your business interruption policy

We have found over the years that most dentists do not really know the details of their insurance policies. Immediately speak to your insurance expert and get detailed information about your business interruption policy. What is covered? What is the amount of coverage? What is the deductible? When does it kick in? For example, it might not kick in for 30 days. A 14-day interruption for self-quarantine might not be covered.

The important point is to find out what you have, determine what you need, and make any adjustments to coverage that make sense.