Coronavirus Update

Our Office’s Safety Precautions

Please note that our office has been using “Universal Precautions” for 26 years.  “Universal Precautions” were developed during the AIDS Epidemic in the 1980s and the concept is that you treat every patient as if they are infected with a communicable disease and all instruments and surfaces are disinfected between every patient.  Our office is among the cleanest places you will ever visit.

Even with that background, we have updated some of our procedures. We are taking a calm and deliberate approach and following government mandates and the advice of our professional associations. You will notice some changes to our standard operations. These are designed to keep all of our team members and patients safe.

• Our HVAC system has been upgraded with a REME HALO LED whole office air purification system. It is the only 100% pure ozone-free air purifier on the market. It kills viruses, bacteria, mold, etc.
• Plastic shields at the front desk have been installed to minimize aerosol transmission. Hands-free hand sanitizer and soap dispensers are available.  Automatic light switches have been installed in the bathrooms.  
• Scheduling more time between patients and staggered appointment scheduling to limit patient numbers in the office.
• Pre-visit health screening of all patients.  You will receive an EMail the day before your appointment with health-related questions that you will be required to answer when confirming your appointment.  If you or any members of your immediate household have any Covid-19 symptoms, we ask that you reschedule the appointment.
• We request that you thoroughly brush your teeth at home since we have eliminated the tooth brushing station.
• Please check in from your car by text and we will text you when to come in.  Please wear a mask when coming to the office.  We request that only the patient comes in unless they are very young or the parent/guardian feels they need to accompany their child.
• Special procedures for patients entering the office include taking your temperature with a forehead temperature scanner and hand sanitizing as you enter.
• Scheduling your next appointment will be completed by phone at the end of the appointment to minimize your time in the office.
• Credit card payments will be completed electronically by phone to reduce time at the front desk.  Feel free to mail or drop off checks or cash.
• Tele-dentistry: Some appointments, such as some consultations and retainer checks, may be scheduled remotely to minimize unnecessary contact.  We will request all health histories to be submitted electronically to minimize paper being brought into the office.

You'll notice that the majority of familiar signs and countertop items have been removed to allow for efficient and effective surface and countertop disinfection early in the morning, during the day, and at the end of the day. Fortunately, the COVID -19 virus is easy to kill with an approved surface disinfectant. All of our counters and surfaces will be completely wiped off and disinfected before and after each patient and at the start and end of every day. 

Things may be a bit different than they were before we closed our doors, but rest assured that the one thing that hasn’t changed is our enthusiasm to provide excellent care for our patients and to serve your orthodontic needs. Our processes may be different but the outcomes will be the same – beautiful and healthy smiles! Our team looks forward to seeing you again soon. Thank you for your patience as we work through these new systems with the goal to keep you and our team safe and healthy.

How can you prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19?

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.

If you would like more information about our office’s dedication to your health and safety, please give us a call. For more information about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization website.