COVID-19 Reopening
To my valued patients and friends,
It is our most sincere hope that you and your family are well. Clearly, we are experiencing some changes that are new for all of us in the last couple of months. As we plan to resume some of our routines, I want you to know that, as always, we are committed to your safety and wellness.
As you know, our office has been closed to regular appointments, and I have only been seeing emergencies and patients with crucial procedures in the office. As of June 1, 2020, the office will be transitioning to a more regular schedule to provide regular dental cleanings and procedures. Oral health is crucial for overall health and wellness. Prevention and early diagnosis will help keep your body systems strong.
We not only abide by but also surpass the requirements and recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We carefully monitor the recommendations of these agencies so that we are aware of new guidelines and recommendations.
Infection control has always been a top priority. The sterilization procedures for dental practices have been rigorous for decades. You may know already that sterilization by cleaning solutions and high-heat are part of daily life in our office. You may have noticed that we use some disposable instruments, coverings and shields that are all part of a clear and rigorous infection control. To offer you additional peace of mind, I want to explain a bit about ongoing and new protocols that are in place for your comfort and safety.
The following routines will be in place to protect our patients and staff:
We expect that the changes outlined here will continue to evolve as we move through this era of COVID. What will not change is our commitment to your health and our appreciation of this very special professional and personal relationship with you. My staff and I appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Richard E. Heyes, DDS
It is our most sincere hope that you and your family are well. Clearly, we are experiencing some changes that are new for all of us in the last couple of months. As we plan to resume some of our routines, I want you to know that, as always, we are committed to your safety and wellness.
As you know, our office has been closed to regular appointments, and I have only been seeing emergencies and patients with crucial procedures in the office. As of June 1, 2020, the office will be transitioning to a more regular schedule to provide regular dental cleanings and procedures. Oral health is crucial for overall health and wellness. Prevention and early diagnosis will help keep your body systems strong.
We not only abide by but also surpass the requirements and recommendations of the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We carefully monitor the recommendations of these agencies so that we are aware of new guidelines and recommendations.
Infection control has always been a top priority. The sterilization procedures for dental practices have been rigorous for decades. You may know already that sterilization by cleaning solutions and high-heat are part of daily life in our office. You may have noticed that we use some disposable instruments, coverings and shields that are all part of a clear and rigorous infection control. To offer you additional peace of mind, I want to explain a bit about ongoing and new protocols that are in place for your comfort and safety.
The following routines will be in place to protect our patients and staff:
- Our office will contact you prior to your appointment to ask some screening questions. You will be asked the same questions when you come to the office for your appointment.
- We ask that you call the office from your car once you are in the parking lot, and we will let you know when to proceed to the waiting room.
- We are requesting that you attend your appointment without other family members or friends if at all possible. If your family member or spouse must accompany you, they will be asked for a temperature check and asked to remain outside the patient rooms.
- Please wear a mask once you enter the building. Hand sanitizer will be available for your use. We will also take your temperature using a touch-free thermometer.
- Dental assistants and hygienists may be wearing some additional personal protective equipment including face shields. I will be wearing scrubs along with my usual clinic coat. The hygienists may be using new high-speed suction with some procedures. As always, many of the items we use in the mouth are disposable or designed to be disinfected at high heat in an autoclave.
- My staff and I will all have daily temperature checks and will start each day with a check for symptoms and history.
- Appointments will be scheduled to allow social distancing and to disinfect not only patient rooms but also common spaces. You will be moved to your own patient room as quickly as possible. We apologize as this may result in fewer options for appointment times and less flexibility for late arrival.
- Magazines are no longer available in the reception areas or patient rooms, and the reception room is equipped with a new air purifier.
We expect that the changes outlined here will continue to evolve as we move through this era of COVID. What will not change is our commitment to your health and our appreciation of this very special professional and personal relationship with you. My staff and I appreciate your trust and look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely,
Richard E. Heyes, DDS