Our world has been greatly impacted by COVID-19 and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. We would like to update you on additional safety measures being implemented in our dental practice for both your safety and our team’s. Rest assured, we have always maintained rigorous compliance to the highest standard, following the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Dental Association® (ADA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many safety measures will be readily apparent, as our office will look different from your last visit, while other precautions are taking place behind the scenes to protect you and your family as well as us.
The changes made in our office are:
- Our office will communicate with you at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, with COVID-19 screening questions through email, phone or text.
- You will need to complete a COVID-19 questionnaire and consent form along with your health history and insurance update before you come to the office. Please bring your own pen to fill out the paperwork. This measure will help to reduce the number of items you touch during your visit.
- Please call or text to inform us that you have arrived for your appointment. We ask that you remain in your car or outside of our office until a member of our staff communicates that we are ready to see you.
- In order to adhere to the governor’s mandate to social distance, we request that only one parent and the scheduled child come to the appointment if possible.
- Wearing your own face mask or covering in our office will be required except for children under the age of 2 years.
- Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the office for your use.
- Temperature and oxygen level will be taken for all doctors, staff, patients and parents, and recorded upon entering the office.
- Plexiglass screens have been installed at the front desk.
- Our waiting room is unavailable for seating, and all magazines and toys have been removed.
- Our doctors and staff may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the procedures being performed.
- On your billing statement, you will notice an additional charge of $12.00 (which is subject to change). This fee is for PPE (personal protection equipment). The ADA’s code (D1999) requires all dental staff to wear PPE during this time. Some dental insurance providers will provide coverage for this. If your insurance provider does not cover the PPE costs, or you do not have dental insurance, you will be required to pay at the time of service.
- Please consider dressing in layers (e.g. your own coat and/or blanket) when you visit us, as the office will be kept at a cooler temperature.
- There will be revisions in how we schedule your appointment to allow for social distancing.
- We installed an air purification system throughout the entire office, which is designed to kill viruses, bacteria and mold in the air.
Please help us by following instructions you will be given prior to your appointment. We feel privileged to provide care for you and your family, and we take this privilege very seriously. Please know that your safety and the safety of our staff is a top priority for us.
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have about the steps we are taking to keep you and every patient safe in our practice. You may call or email us to make an appointment, and we look forward to seeing you soon.