COVID Information
To Our Patients
Your health and safety has always been our number one focus. And COVID-19 has only deepened our commitment to you.
Our office has always followed infection control recommendations in Dental Health-Care Settings made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. 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 to ensure our infection control procedures are current.
The thorough and rigorous cleaning, sterilization, and disinfection of all instruments and surfaces are routine and second nature to us, as they are throughout dentistry, but we will be enhancing it even further. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable.
Infection Control Measures
How We Sanitize Treatment Rooms
Before you enter the exam room, all surfaces have been cleaned and disinfected, including the dental chair, light, drawer handles, floor, and countertops. Basically, we sanitize everything that has been touched or could have been touched. Any protective covers are replaced. The chemicals we use are professional medical-grade and designed specifically for clinical environments. We also wash our hands frequently, and always before seeing patients.
How We Sanitize Instruments
Our non disposable items like handpieces (commonly known as drills) and other instruments are carefully cleaned and sterilized in a designated area of our practice using hospital-grade equipment. We use precision tools like ultrasonic baths for cleaning, and high-temperature autoclaves to sterilize. We also use tests and indicators to monitor these processes regularly, and visually inspect instruments at every step. Once again, cleaners, detergents and other chemicals being used are designed specifically for clinical, not household, use.
How We Use Disposable Items
We use as many disposable items as possible, such as needles, gloves, masks etc. After each patient, disposable items are carefully discarded according to current guidelines and all members of the treatment team are gloved and thoroughly was their hands afterwards.
How We’re Protecting Ourselves
We have recently upgraded some of the personal protective equipment we use in our office to align with the CDC’s new recommendations. Because, like you, we have family and loved ones who rely on us, so working safely is extremely important to us.
Additional Precautions To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19
- Placing acrylic barriers at the front desk
- Additional cleaning of our and back office spaces throughout the day using products from the EPA’s list of registered surface disinfectants for use against COVID-19
- Pre-screening patients and not treating anyone with a fever, cough or symptoms of respiratory illness
- Not allowing staff members to work if they are experiencing any respiratory illness
- Taking patient’s temperature on arrival at the office
- Managing appointments to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you’re offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment and non-emergent appointments may not be scheduled as soon as you’d like
We Look Forward To Seeing You Soon!
Dental care is vital to staying healthy and preventing minor issues from progressing into painful, complex and expensive conditions. Please be rest assured that our office has always been and will always be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected throughout the day.
If you have any questions, we are happy to answer them!