As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives forever. Things that we previously took for granted are no longer a viable option for us. Gathering in the park, hugging a friend, sharing a meal out, all changed. The pandemic has changed not only the way we care for each other but the way that we care for you. We have worked very hard and consulted with many different authorities to fabricate a new protocol, a new norm, for caring for you and your children. Below we have outlined the new office protocol that we will be following, in an attempt to create a safe, secure environment for all.
All patients and parents (excluding young children <2 yo) must wear masks upon entering. If you need a mask, one will be provided to you.
A verbal screening will be reviewed upon entry
Temperatures of you and your child/children will be taken, temps >100.4°F will need to be rescheduled
Hand sanitizer must be used at the check-in/check-out desk
You will be assigned to a designated waiting area, or you may elect to wait in your car and we can contact you via text/call
Older patients may be dropped off and picked up
You will notice: once in the office:
·All staff members wearing all recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in accordance with their job description, including the N95/KN95 mask. Our temperatures will be taken daily before the start of the
Medical-grade HEPA filtration systems present in the waiting area and all operatories
·A clean disinfected waiting area and operatories, absent of toys, magazines, games, books, to decrease the risk of cross-contamination
Disinfectant wipes, gloves, and hand sanitizers available for use in the waiting area and throughout our office
Arrangement of chairs in accordance with the 6-foot social distancing recommendation.
UV light sterilization system for your frequently touched items (phones, keys, masks)
Fewer patients scheduled, patients staggered, less patient traffic
·Patients brought directly into the treating area upon their arrival as much as possible.
It will take time to adjust, but time we do have. Rest assured that we will be adhering to the strictest of guidelines in accordance with OSHA, the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Dental Association ADA). If nothing else, the pandemic has taught us to care for each other and live each day to the fullest, because we never know what tomorrow will bring. A new day, a better day is around the corner.
Stay safe. Stay well. Stay positive!
