Covid-19 Information and Protocol

Ever since the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s, dental offices have drastically changed infection control practices, and have continued to be at the forefront of infection control in the healthcare field. Procedures are continually being updated by the latest recommendations and practices, often before (bad consequences) can reveal themselves. Prior to AIDS, infection control was sketchy at best. Many people probably remember seeing their dentist who did not wear a mask, and probably no gloves! AIDS brought to light inadequacies that existed at the time. As a result, the general rule is anything that touches a patient or is used for treatment or care is either thrown away or sterilized in a steam and pressure autoclave; the standard for surgical sterilization. Gloves and masks became the norm, as well as surface disinfection. Hospital-grade surface disinfectants have been used for years, following OSHA and CDC recommendations.

With the advent of our latest crisis the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dental offices have stepped up their game to an even higher level.  Our environment is one in which we are in close physical proximity to our patients, often creating an environment that is particularly dangerous for the practitioner and staff. The good news for the patients is the aerosol that is created is from them, so they can not infect themselves. We are confident our newest personal protective equipment and practices are keeping us all safe. To date, there have not been any clusters of COVID-19 associated with dental offices in the entire United States. This is very reassuring knowing the virus started to spread early at the beginning of the year. Surely there would have been patients that were infected that unknowingly visited their dentist during this early time of spread. What we were doing protected everyone then. What we are doing now, goes above and beyond.

Changes have been made in our office to further adapt to this current pandemic and keep everyone safe. Some changes will be very visible, some won’t be noticed at all. We have implemented several new procedures and equipment to ensure everyone is safe. Upon arriving, you may remain in your vehicle and call us to let us know you have arrived. We will let you know when you can come in and proceed directly to your treatment room. We have removed some chairs, all magazines and, toys, as well as informational displays from our reception area. You may come in and wait briefly for your appointment if you prefer. Everyone entering will have their temperature taken and recorded. This includes all our staff, which is done every day. Hand sanitizer is located throughout the office. Every treatment room, as well as our reception area, is equipped with a HEPA, UV light air purifier that traps and kills airborne bacteria, viruses, mold, and allergens.

We are allowing more time between patient appointments to ensure thorough cleaning and filtering of treatment rooms.

All patients and anyone accompanying a patient will be required to wear a mask when not receiving treatment. We also have a new COVID -19 screening and consent form that everyone will be required to complete prior to treatment.

We have instituted a temporary fee of $10.00 per visit because of the difficulty and high cost of obtaining necessary masks, gowns, face shields,  and disinfecting solutions. Items used for every patient have increased in price from 25% to as much as 400% from pre-COVID-19 costs. We are confident this will be temporary.