Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up to date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agency’s recommendations.
Our current office was designed with safety in mind. We intentionally made sure the treatment areas are carpet free and are able to be cleaned and easily sanitized. We have a dedicated sterilization room that allows us to remove soiled materials safely away from patient flow. With a number of treatment rooms, we are able to rotate patient care and allow rooms to be sufficiently cleaned for the next patient. Dentistry was already prepared for these times with protective measures.
You may notice a few changes at your next office visit. We made these changes to help protect both, our patients and staff:
*Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You will be asked those same questions again when you arrive in the office.
*We will take your temperature before entering the office. Anyone with a temperature of 100° or greater will be rescheduled.
*Our employees are also being screened by having their temperatures taken and by filling out a health questionnaire on a daily basis.
*Only the person receiving treatment will be allowed in the office unless a parent, guardian, or caretaker is required.
*Hand sanitizer will be available in our waiting room and at the front desk.
*We will no longer have magazines, books or games in the waiting area, as these items are difficult to disinfect and sanitize.
*In addition to our usual disinfecting in the patient care areas of our office, you may notice our staff wiping down surfaces in the waiting area and around the front desk. Anything touched or handled will be disinfected.
*We will do our best to manage appointments to allow for social distancing between patients. That may mean that you are offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment.
We look forward to seeing you soon and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we are taking to keep you safe while at our office. As always, stay safe and we will see you at your next appointment!
