To reduce the spread of COVID-19, we have introduced the following extra safety precautions and equipment that you will notice when you are in for your next visit:
Virus Protection
- All of our team members complete a temperature and pulse oximetry screening as well as a screening questionnaire when they arrive at the office. Our team members are required to wear masks at all times while in the office.
- We have gone above and beyond in investing in personal protective equipment for our team. You may notice that we will be wearing head covers, face shields, eye protection, respirator masks, gloves, gowns, and shoe covers. Don’t worry – it’s still the same ol’ us underneath all of this! This equipment is washed and disinfected or discarded after each use.
Air Filtration
- We have True HEPA air purifiers throughout the office to continuously remove the number of pollutants such as viruses, particles, and dust by changing the air every 15-30 minutes. We have also installed a UVC light into our HVAC as an additional method of removing pollutants from the air.
Electronic Forms
- When you arrive for your appointment: When you arrive, you will be screened for your temperature using a thermometer and your oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter. You will also be asked a screening questionnaire. Please note that all individuals entering our office are required to wear a mask at all times except when receiving dental care.
- During your appointment: All patients will be asked to perform hand washing as well as an antimicrobial rinse prior to their appointment. We will be using various techniques and new equipment, such as high-suction vacuums in each treatment room, to collect airborne particles, aerosols, and vapors during procedures.
Disinfection
- Strict surface sterilization procedures are followed to clean and disinfect all operatory surfaces between patients and, after each use, all dental instruments are cleaned and heat sterilized in steam autoclave machines in individual sterile pouches.
- All reception area surfaces, such as tables and door handles, as well as patient restrooms are disinfected every hour.
- We have enhanced nightly disinfection procedures of equipment and office fixtures like computers, keyboards, telephones, tablets, chairs, doorknobs, and buttons that may be touched unconsciously.
These are just some of the various steps we have taken behind the scenes to create a safe environment for all. We ask that you please reschedule your appointment if you are feeling ill (including fever, cough, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and difficulty breathing), have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, or if you have COVID-19. For more information or to schedule your next appointment, please call us at (815) 385-4411 or contact us here.