GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AT THIS OFFICE: 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. 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 instruments and equipment. We also use new facemasks and gloves for each patient per guidelines set by the FDA and CDC.
MASKS: Masks are no longer required; however, patients in high risk categories may want to consider wearing a mask in public areas.
SCREENING: Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You will be asked those same questions again when you are in the office. There will be forms for you to complete, including an updated medical history. You will be under the supervision of a staff member whose job it is to perform your screening and direct your movement within the office.
PUBLIC AREAS: The entry way, reception area, and bathroom are cleaned and disinfected after each patient, including door handles, chairs, pens, clipboards, sinks, toilets, any item potentially in contact with each individual entering and leaving the premises. These cleaning/disinfection procedures take time and you may be asked to wait in your car or remain in the treatment room while this is being accomplished. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we attempt to keep everyone safe. We ask that you arrive on time for your appointment, rather than early or late, This will help us move our patients efficiently through the building. Please contact the office if you are having an issue that will impact your arrival for your appointment so we can attempt to adjust patient flow accordingly.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP US KEEP EVERYONE SAFE: Any time you have an appointment scheduled, please contact our office if you experience any of the following: fever, cough, shortness of breath, contact with someone known to be infected with COVID-19. We will discuss your health status, the dental treatment currently scheduled, and whether or not rescheduling your visit would be in everyone's interest of health and safety.
WAYS YOU CAN HELP PREVENT CONTRACTING OR SPREADING COVID-19: 1. Get vaccinated! Our staff is fully vaccinated and we encourage everyone to do this as the primary means of preventing the spread of this virus. 2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 3. Maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and others in public places. 4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 5. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands. 6. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. If you call early enough, your healthcare provider can quickly direct you to the right healthcare facility.
We are here to answer any questions you may have, so do not hesitate to give us a call.
PHYSICAL UPGRADES TO THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT:
1. Each treatment room now has a door. This allows us to direct the airflow from each room out through the ventilation system and into the HVAC.
2. The HVAC (heating and air conditioning system) is now equipped with a state-of-the-art Sanuvox UV system that destroys airborne particles such as allergens, spores, pollen, VOCs, virus, mold, bacteria, odors, fumes, and other pollutants. This system increases the air safety of the entire office.
3. Each treatment room now has its own state-of-the-art free-standing Sanuvox filtration unit which is equipped with multiple filters (prefilter, HEPA, carbon, and UV TiO2 ionization for advanced indoor air purification and cleaning. An API sensor continually tests air quality and automatically adjusts system performance.
4. Each treatment room is private.
5. Following CDC/ADA/OSHA guidelines, we have fewer chairs in the waiting room and no toys or magazines. Appointments are staggered to allow for social distancing.
6. A plexiglass shield separates our front office staff. There are floor markers to help direct patient flow for check-in and check out.
CLEANING, DISINFECTION, AND STERILIZATION:
1. We have always placed an emphasis on infection control and followed CDC/ADA/OSHA guidelines for bloodborne pathogens.
2. COVID-19 now demands that we address RESPIRATORY GUIDELINES. This is why we now have the filtration units and use N95 masks with gowns and faceshields, and goggles.
3. We incorporated an eco-friendly hospital grade disinfectant into our practice a while ago. Biosurf is not only effective against very powerful germs; IT HAS THE ADDED BENEFIT OF BEING SAFE FOR OUR STAFF AND OUR PATIENTS. IT IS USED TO DISINFECT ALL TREATMENT AREAS.
4. The reception area, entry area, and bathroom are sanitized between all patients.
5. Dental chairs, the x-ray head, and portions of the overhead light above the chair are covered with plastic barriers and changed after each patient.
6. All dental instruments have always been processed according to CDC/ADA/OSHA guidelines for cleaning and sterilization.
7. Hand sanitizer is widely available for use.
SUMMARY: We look forward to seeing you and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, our staff, and every patient, SAFE IN OUR PRACTICE.