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  MEMBERS ONLY

Members Only

Disaster Preparedness and Recovery

The LDA staff have fared as well as can be expected during this weekend’s flooding. The LDA itself had no damage and does have electricity. The staff will assist members in any way they can in disaster recovery. The office can be contacted directly at 1-800-388-6642 or 225-926-1986. You can also e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you need a specific staff member, click here for a staff directory.  If you are looking for temporary office space, contact us as we have a list of available opportunities. If you have space available (even an operatory or two) that a fellow dentist can use while they rebuild their practice, please contact the LDA right away at (800) 388-6642 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with what type and where your space is located. Even if you are not in the impacted area, but would like to be on the list, we plan to list any available space.

We would like to here from or about members who may be in need of assistance. Please send us an email or call us and let us know your status if your area has been impacted. Any member from any part of the state who has damage or needs help should also contact us. ADA and LDA disaster grants are available to those with damage. See below for more info and grant applications.

  • Ward Blackwell - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Annette Droddy - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Sharon Elliott - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Tisha White - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Jeanne Parr - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Candice Castro - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


LDA Foundation and ADA Foundation Grants for Dentists for Disaster Relief

LDA grant applications can be found on our website at http://www.ladental.org/lda/dental-resources/lda-foundation. 

The ADA Foundation emergency grant information can be found at http://www.adafoundation.org/en/how-to-apply/charitable-assistance. (There is a downloadable version of the ADA form on the ADA website that is available for members who do not remember or have an ADA password.)

Note: Apply for both grants and we can accept both applications and in certain cases, we can waive the 10-day waiting period for awarding the LDA benefit (if you are applying for both). The ADA's Emergency Disaster Grant funds are limited to meeting disaster victims’ most urgent and vital needs immediately following a disaster. Emergency grants are not intended for more long-term needs such as rebuilding homes and buildings or replacing household and personal belongings. Grant funds cannot be used to replace lost income. Emergency Disaster Grant funding is not intended for replacement of dental practice property, dental supplies, staff salary, etc. Emergency grants are to address the following immediate needs: Food, Bottled water, Clothing, Blankets, Medicine and medical supplies, Emergency shelter and Toiletries.

Other ADA information resources for dentists:

Endorsed Company Information and Insurance Carriers (updated as of 9/8/16)

  • LDA's endorsed insurance carrier, Brown & Brown Association Services Professionals, can be contacted by calling or emailing Contact Stormy Blair at 985-674-3886 or 1-888-503-5547, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
    For flood claims:
    American Bankers = 1-800-423-4403
    Travelers Flood = 1-800-356-6670
    Service Ins Co = 1-941-746-4107
    Wright Flood = 1-800-725-9472 


We have discovered that business interruption insurance does have a flood exemption, but it will still cover losses due to evacuation or other interruptions dues to circumstances caused by a flood, even if there is no coverage available due to loss directly from the flooding of the insured property. The following is an email from Frank Capaldo, Executive Director, Georgia Dental Association to Ward Blackwell (Friday, October 21, 2016): Yesterday when we were talking about the impact of Matthew on our states I asked Ward if he had any idea of the percentage of dentists with business interruption resulting from flooding vs. evacuation and other, like power loss as a result of storm. I asked because of the distinction in triggering coverage and member awareness of the distinction. As I discussed with Ward Yesterday after our meeting and probably you are all aware of, but our members may not know. Yes, business interruption insurance does not cover business interruption by flood. However, in Georgia most of our dentists were not flooded out, but instead evacuated under order and/or lost power from the storms and or had damage unrelated to flooding. However, BII does cover business interruption caused by evacuation.

  • Below are points From our GDA business policy in non-legalese: 

    1. Business interruption insurance is covered on the business policy. Business interruption coverage will kick in when there is a covered claim. A flood would not be covered by the business policy so business interruption would not be covered.

    2. Business interruption coverage would cover evacuation, however there is a 72 hour waiting period for an evacuation due to civil authority. (Hurricane Matthew)

    3. There would not be a waiting period if the office had no power and filing a claim for that reason would pay out quicker.

  • Fortress and Brown & Brown Association Services Professionals are dedicated to assisting policyholders impacted by the recent historic flooding in Louisiana.  Policyholders impacted by the flooding are encouraged to contact Brown and Brown at (888) 503-5547 to discuss options for short-term accommodations to assist during their time of hardship.  The following accommodations are available:

    • All notices of cancellation, non-renewal, or non-reinstatement were suspended pursuant to Emergency Rule 27 during the period August 12, 2016 through September 12, 2016.  Ongoing consideration will be provided to policyholders requiring additional time to pay their premium.
    • Part-Time Coverage is available, at a reduced rate, to policyholder whose practice activities have been temporarily limited to an average of 20 hours or less per week.
    • Suspension of Coverage is available, at a reduced rate, to policyholders requiring a short-term leave of absence from practice.
  • Campus Federal Credit Union is offering payment relief, including deferred payment options, to business members affected by the epic flooding in Baton Rouge and surrounding communities.  Please contact your Business Relationship Manager for detailed information. They are offering up to $10,000 personal Disaster Relief Loans to those in affected areas.  Additionally, they have compiled Disaster Relief Information. Become a member today! For more information on disaster relief or how to become a member call 1-888-769-8841.

  • LDA members who have Bank of America credit cards and need to reach them can contact customer service at 1-800-432-1000.

  • The ADA has also let us know that both Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank have programs in place that will allow relief on payments due and interest for members in Louisiana who are affected by the flooding.  If you use one of these banks for a practice loan or credit card, members should contact their bank to discuss specific arrangements.  

  • ADS Lovelace and Associates, Inc. is offering a free "Rebuild or Retire" consultation, as well as 25% off any transition or consultation fees for dentists affected by the flooding.  If an affected dentist is within 5-7 years of their expected retirement, rebuilding and equipping the practice does not always make financial sense. After Katrina, some retirement age dentists spent more rebuilding than their practice was worth, and they would have been better served to sell the patient charts and goodwill, keep the insurance money, and not rebuild.  If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact Preston Lovelace at 225-614-7700 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • ProSites is waiving the set-up fee on any new pre-designed website for LDA dentists who were affected by the floods in Louisiana. Contact ProSites at (888) 932-3644 to speak with an Internet Marketing Advisor about your available options, or visit www.ProSites.com/LDA to learn more.

  • EXCLUSIVE TO LOUISIANA DENTISTS BUT FOR ALL LDA MEMBERS: LDS Glove Program (through Association Gloves) is offering LDA members 10% off purchases of 10 or more cases in total of NON-SALE products through Sept. 30, 2016. And, shipping is free. Should members purchase Halyard gloves, you will get an extra box free; Halyard masks, get 2 extra boxes free. And we have just gained price concessions from Sempermed on some popular gloves. These prices will be good Sept. 1 through Nov. 30:

    Sempermed Best touch Aloe and Vitamin E: $6/10 per 100/$120.21 per case
    Sempemed StarMed Rose, Aloe and Vitamin E: $6.02 per 100/$120.46 per case
    Sempermed StarMed Ultra Nitrile: $5.21 per 100/$130.36 per case
    Sempermed TenderTouch: $5.45 per 100/$109.17 per case

    Call 877-484-6149.

  • Best Card will offer a Pax S80 credit card terminal for FREE if signing our three year contract for credit card processing with a $159 early termination fee.  See http://www.bestcardteam.com/equipment/terminals/ or Best Card will offer a Pax S80 credit card terminal for $159 (or take $100 off any equipment) if signing our three year contract with $0 termination fee. Call 877-739-3952 to learn more and we can usually get credit card processing equipment to you within 3-4 days.  The Pax S80 has a 2 year warranty.  Any office can send a credit card processing statement via fax to 1.866.717.7247 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a complimentary fee analysis.  Our average annual savings for dental practices is $1,860 (22%) over prior processors on our rate structure.

Miscellaneous Resources, Phone Numbers, and Websites

Patterson Dental Louisiana Relief Plan
Patterson Dental, a business unit of Patterson Companies, today announced it is offering a variety of financial terms to dentists operationally affected by historic flooding in southeastern Louisiana in order to help them re-equip and re-supply their dental practice. Patterson Dental’s outreach efforts are being conducted within impacted communities through its New Orleans branch. Dentists affected by flooding in Louisiana in the parishes where a state of emergency has been declared can obtain assistance from Patterson by contacting their local representative or by calling 800.873.7683, which routes callers to the nearest dental branch.

Henry Schein Recovery Guide for Dentists

Federal Disaster Assistance: The first step you should take is apply for federal financial aid by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster Recovery Centers are key to helping those affected by the devastating flooding disaster, and it’s important that FEMA gets them up and running as quickly as possible. FEMA has announced that a couple more Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in East Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, and Lafayette parishes. These recovery centers will operate daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice. Check out the info below:

False River Parking Lot: 1200 Major Parkway, New Roads, LA 70760

Baker Council on Aging: 3334 Jefferson Street, Baker, LA 70714

Lafayette Court (at University and Lee): 301 West University Avenue, Lafayette, LA 70506


Small Business Association Loan Programs: https://www.sba.gov/loans-grants/see-what-sba-offers/sba-loan-programs/disaster-loans/types-disaster-loans
The Walker Business Recovery Center opened 8/18, offering a wide range of services to businesses impacted by the severe storms and flooding that began last week.The center is located at the Southeastern Louisiana University Literacy and Technology Center, Room 101, 9261 Florida Blvd. in Walker. It will be open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No appointment is necessary. All services are provided free of charge.SBA representatives will meet with each business owner to explain how an SBA Disaster Loan can help finance their recovery. https://www.businessreport.com/business/daily-report-extra-august-18-2016#resources

Tips on Hiring a Contractor from the LA State Licensing Board for Contractors: http://www.lslbc.louisiana.gov/app/uploads/weathering_the_storm.pdf

Emergency Shelters: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/information/immediate-needs#emergency-shelter

American Red Cross Flood Information for Louisiana: http://www.redcross.org/local/louisiana/flood-information or call 1-866-GET INFO (438-4636); Baton Rouge ARC - 225-291-4533; New Orleans ARC - 504-620-3105; Shreveport ARC - 318-865-9545; Monroe ARC - 318-323-5141; Alexandria ARC - 318-442-6621; Lafayette ARC - 337-234-7371; or Covington ARC - 504-620-3105.

Flooded Areas Map/News:


House or Office Flooded, What to Do Next Resources:


Governors Office of Emergency Preparedness (Many resources, packing lists and preparation lists): www.gohsep.la.gov  or http://www.getagameplan.org/

Department of Insurance Resources: https://www.ldi.la.gov/floodrecovery/  

Louisiana Department of Economic Development Flood Recovery Assistance: http://www.opportunitylouisiana.com/flood-recovery-assistance

Local Employees Wanted for Jobs in Louisiana Disaster Recovery: http://www.thecreole.com/?p=58546

Disaster Nutrition Plan: http://www.dcfs.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&pid=360 (If your household is impacted by damages or lost wages due to a hurricane or other diaster (like flooding), you may qualify for DSNAP. DSNAP provides eligible low- to moderate-income households - who do not normally receive SNAP benefits - with help buying groceries due to lost income or damages following a disaster.)

LSU AgCenter Resources Regarding Food Safety and Cleaning After a Flood:

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/family_home/hazards_and_threats/flood%202016

Salvaging furniture
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/kkramer/articles/page1471461162479

Food and Water Safety after Flooding
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/aiverson/articles/page1471532813082

Food safety expert offers tips to clean, sanitize flooded kitchens
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/lbenedict/articles/page1471466680073

Take these steps for mold removal and prevention after a flood
http://www.lsuagcenter.com/profiles/lbenedict/articles/page1471440591268

NAIC Disaster Preparedness Insurance Tips

  • Take an inventory of your valuables and belongings. This includes taking photographs or a video of each room. This will help your insurance company process claims more quickly by providing documentation of your belongings.
  • To enable filing claims more quickly, keep sales receipts and/or canceled checks. Also note the model and serial numbers of the items in your home inventory.
  • To protect your belongings in case disaster strikes, make sure you have adequate insurance coverage and that your insurance policies are up to date.
  • Store copies of all your insurance policies in a safe location away from your home that is easily accessible in case of disaster. You might want to store your policies and inventory in a waterproof, fireproof box or in a safe, remote location such as a bank safe deposit box. Consider leaving a copy of your inventory with relatives, friends or your insurance provider and store digital pictures in your email or on a Web site for easy retrieval.
  • Know what is (and is not) covered by your insurance policy. You might need additional protection depending on where you live.
  • Appraise your home periodically to make sure your insurance policy reflects home improvements or renovations. Contact your insurance provider annually to review and update your insurance policy as needed.
  • Keep a readily available list of 24-hour contact information for each of your insurance providers.
  • Find out if your possessions are insured for the actual cash value or the replacement cost. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to your home or possessions after depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home or possessions without deducting for depreciation. Speak with your insurance provider to determine whether purchasing replacement coverage is worth the cost.
  • As you acquire more valuables — jewelry, family heirlooms, antiques, art — consider purchasing an additional “floater” or “rider” to your policy to cover these special items. These types of items typically are not covered by a basic homeowners or renter’s insurance policy.
  • Remember to include in your home inventory those items you rarely use (e.g., holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, etc.)
  • Speak with your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers additional living expenses for a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home due to damage from a disaster.

Emergency Preparedness Checklist:

  • Send copies of important documents to your out-of-town contact person.
  • Have a pet care plan. Shelters do not always accept pets. Contact your local animal shelter.
  • Prepare a medical information list that includes the names and contact information for medical providers, health insurance information, medications you use, adaptive and support equipment you use, allergies and sensitivities and special care instructions.
  • Items for a Disaster Supply Kit include: nonperishable food, bottled water, non-electric can opener, paper/plastic utensils, toiletries/personal hygiene items, water purification tablets, important documents, First Aid Kit, flashlight and batteries, bug repellent, sun-screen, battery operated radio, booster cables, auto tire repair kit.

Important Family Documents:
(Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container)

  • Copy of will, insurance policies, contracts, deeds, stocks and bonds
  • Copy of passports, Social Security cards, immunization records
  • Record of credit card accounts
  • Record of bank account numbers, names, and phone numbers
  • Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
  • Copy of Supplemental Security Income award letter

NAIC Post-Disaster Insurance Tips

  • Call your agent or insurance company’s claims hotline and file your claim as soon as possible. Remember to have your policy number and other relevant information readily available. Your policy might require that you make the notification within a certain time frame.
  • Collaborate with your insurance company. Ask what documents, forms and data you will need to file a claim. Provide your insurance company with accurate, detailed information. Incorrect or incomplete information will cause a delay in processing your claim.
  • Keep a log of all conversations with insurance companies, creditors or relief agencies. Keep copies and records of all correspondence. Write down information about your telephone and in-person discussions, including the date, name and title of the person you spoke with and what was said. Also keep a record of your time and expenses.
  • If your home is damaged to the extent that you cannot live there, ask your insurance company if your policy covers additional living expenses.
  • Take photographs or a video of the damage.
  • Your homeowners and auto policies might require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. If possible, take photographs or a video of the damage before making temporary repairs.
  • Save all receipts from the temporary and permanent repairs covered by your insurance policy. Your policy should cover the cost of these temporary repairs.
  • You might want to postpone permanent repairs until your insurance company has inspected the property and you have reached an agreement on the repair costs. Be prepared to provide the claims adjuster with records of any improvements you made prior to the damage.
  • When possible, determine what it will cost to repair your property before you meet with the claims adjuster. Ask the claims adjuster for an itemized explanation of the claim settlement offer.
  • If the first offer made by an insurance company does not meet your expectations, be prepared to negotiate the offer.
  • Secure bids from multiple contractors. Ask for at least three references and check with your state licensing board and the Better Business Bureau about the contractor’s record. Ask for proof of necessary licenses, building permits, insurance and bonding. Record the contractor’s license plate number and driver’s license number.
  • Be wary of contractors who demand payment in full before work is completed. If the contractor needs payment to buy supplies, accompany the contractor and pay the supplier directly.
  • If you cannot cover all of your living expenses following a disaster, contact your creditors to negotiate a payment plan.
  • If you are injured in the disaster, ask your physician to provide your insurance company with details about your treatment, medical conditions and prognosis.
  • If you suspect a medical provider is overcharging, ask the insurance company to audit the bill and verify whether the provider used the proper billing procedure.
  • If there is a disagreement about a claim, ask the company for a written letter explaining the reason for the denial and the specific policy language under which the claim is being denied. If you have any questions regarding the fairness of your settlement, contact your state insurance department for assistance.

Whom to Contact About Replacement of Important Documents:

  • Driver's License
    Department of Motor Vehicles | 887-368-5463

  • Government Issued ID
    Contact the issuing authority

  • Insurance policies
    Your insurance agent or company

  • Military discharge
    Department of Veterans Affairs
    225-922-0500, 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829-4833

  • Passports
    State Department—Passport Services
    202-955-0430 (24 hours)

  • Birth, death and marriage certificates
    Bureau of Records in the appropriate state

  • Social Security or Medicare cards
    Local Social Security office
    1-800-772-1213 or TDD/TTY 1-800-325-0778

  • Credit cards
    The issuing companies as soon as possible

  • Mastercard
    Contact issuing financial institution

  • VISA
    Contact issuing financial institution

  • American Express
    1-800-528-4800

  • Discover
    1-800-discover (1-800-347-2683), TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449

  • Titles to deeds
    Records department of the area in which the property is located

  • Stocks and bonds
    Issuing company or your broker

  • Wills
    Your attorney

  • Income tax record
    The IRS center where filed, your accountant or 1-800-829-1040

  • Citizenship papers
    Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
    1-800-375-5283

  • Mortgage papers
    Lending institution
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7833 Office Park Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 926-1986  |  (800) 388-6642
(225) 926-1886  Fax
info@ladental.org

Links with this symbol are password protected for LDA members only.
7833 Office Park Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
(225) 926-1986  |  (800) 388-6642
 Fax (225) 926-1886
info@ladental.org