Coronavirus Update
Our Office’s Safety Precautions
To help prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections, including COVID-19, we adhere to standardized infection control measures, such as performing hand hygiene, providing tissues and no-touch receptacles to throw away used tissues, and offering facemasks to patients who are coughing. We follow routine cleaning and disinfection strategies, using cleaners and water to pre-clean surfaces prior to applying an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as appropriate sterilization of all tools and equipment. We also use new facemasks and gloves for each patient per guidelines set by the FDA and CDC.
While our office already adheres to these standard precautions, there are several common sense recommendations we are implementing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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Our office will communicate with you before your appointment to ask some screening questions for COVID-19. You’ll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office.We will also take your temperature when you come in for your appointment.
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You will be asked to use hand sanitizer when you enter our office.We will also have hand sanitizers throughout the office for you to use as needed.
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We will temporarily remove items that are difficult to clean and disinfect (magazines, children’s toys, etc.) from our reception area
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When feasible,we encourage parents or anyone accompanying a patient to drop off the patient and return in conjunction with the completion of treatment to minimize congestion in the reception area
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Appointments will be managed to allow greater time between patients to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time.
In addition, our team will be screened daily in the same way that our patients are for risk factors and will be asked to stay at home if there is any risk.
If you have an appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Recent loss of smell or taste
- Shortness of breath
- Travel within the past 14 days to affected geographical regions
We will discuss your health status, the dental treatment you require, and whether or not visiting our office will be safe for you, our other patients, and our staff.
When you visit our office, we ask that you arrive on time for your appointment, rather than too early. This will minimize the amount of time you spend in our waiting room or reception area. If you have respiratory symptoms, we will ask that you wear a facemask.
How can you prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
If you would like more information about our office’s dedication to your health and safety, please give us a call. For more information about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
