Sanitation and Safety Protocols
Infection control and sanitation have always been top priorities for our practices.
What We’ve Always Done
-
Sterilized Instruments
We sterilize any and all dental instruments after use, or after the sterile seal has been broken. We use FDA-approved sterilizers for all our instruments, and if an instrument is unable to be sterilized, we dispose of it properly after a single use. -
We Disinfect
We use EPA-registered disinfectants to clean our entire office. We have always used these disinfectants to clean every surface touched during a procedure between every patient. -
Ventilation Systems
We have ventilation systems that help remove particles from the air and help circulate air flow throughout our offices. -
Hands-Free Washing
We have hand sinks available to patients throughout our offices, and some of these stations include hands-free soap and paper towel dispensers.
New Measures: Post COVID-19
We have always gone the extra mile when it comes to keeping our offices sparkling clean! With the current COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken our cleaning and infection control measures even further!
-
PPE for You & Us
PPE has and remains to be mandatory for all procedures in our offices. In addition to wearing face masks and gloves like we normally do, we will now also be wearing sterile gowns, face shields, and in some cases sterile scrub caps. You may also notice our front team members and office staff also wearing PPE; this is to ensure the safety of anyone who enters the office. -
Pre-Screening Text Message
Before your appointment, you will get a text message with a brief COVID-19 questionnaire. If you have a positive answer to any of these questions, we will call you to follow up. -
Temperature Checks & COVID-19 Screening
When you arrive we will need to check your temperature and ask you questions as well. We may need to reschedule your appointment in the event of a fever or any positive answers to the screening questions. We are doing this to play it safe and ensure your safety and the safety of others. -
Patient Room Disinfecting
We have always followed strict disinfecting protocols but we have increased these even more. Instead of just sanitizing and disinfecting our patient rooms between patients, you may notice the plastic barriers covering most surfaces. These barriers are removed and properly disposed of after each patient, and before putting on a new one, everything in the patient room is sanitized and disinfected using EPA-registered disinfectant. -
Office Disinfecting
We are sanitizing and disinfecting any surface a patient may touch in our office on a regular schedule. -
Limited Aerosols
Any procedure that can be performed without generating aerosols will be done without them. In the event that a procedure requires aerosols, we have implemented high-volume dental aerosol suctions. -
Compromised Patients
If you or a family member has an auto-immune disorder or have any health-related issues that enhance your chance of catching COVID-19, give us a call and we will try to accommodate your appointment the best we can.
Social Distancing
To abide by the current regulations, we have also introduced social distancing measures in our office.
-
Guest Limit
We are limiting the number of people in our offices; if you require a guest to accompany you to your appointment, please have them wait outside the office for you or call our office to explain the situation. -
Seating
We are limiting the number of people in the waiting room area. -
Strategically Scheduling Appointments
We will be making sure to schedule appointments strategically to limit the amount of people entering and leaving the office at the same time. -
Checking In
When you arrive please park and ring the front door bell of our office to let them know you are here. When we are ready to see you, we will let you in for check-in. -
Checking Out
When you have finished your appointment, a team member will try to check you out from the operatory you are in when possible.
How Can You Help
We are doing everything in our power to keep you safe. Here’s how you can do your part to keep yourself, other patients, and our team members safe!
-
PPE
We are requiring anyone who enters our offices to wear a facemask. If you do not have one with you, please call the office before entering, and we can provide you with one. -
Book Multiple Appointments in the Same Day
When you book more than one appointment in the same day, you are helping not only our offices but yourself as well. Doing this limits the amount of times you need to leave your house. -
Book Ahead
You are able to book ahead and pre-pay for your appointments before you enter our office. This limits the time you are in the office outside of your allotted appointment time. You can book your appointment online here. -
No Magazines or iPads
For the time being we will not have magazines or iPads available for our patients; we will be doing this to limit the number of surfaces that may be touched by multiple people.