COVID-19 Infection Control Protocols: what to expect
We have always practiced stringent infection control in our office at all times for the health and safety of our patients. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have instituted additional measures to ensure that patients can enjoy a safe office environment.
New procedures and protocols are put in place to minimize contact and the spread of infection while allowing Dr. Doray and our dental care team to deliver the high standard of dental care you expect when you visit with us.
What You Can Expect from Us:
Infection Control. We will follow CDC/ADA infection control guidelines in response to COVID-19 in addition to our normal rigorous standard precautions and infection control procedures.
Extensive Cleaning. Our equipment, water lines, and airlines have been sanitized and maintained during our closure. Cleaning and disinfection of exams rooms take place between each patient visit, and now we will also incorporate frequent disinfecting of our reception and front desk areas and high-touch surfaces.
Revised Scheduling. We will be limiting the number of appointments each day and staggering appointment times to have fewer individuals in our office at the same time. If you have an appointment in the next 30 days, it’s possible you may be contacted to reschedule, if necessary, in order to achieve this.
Social Distancing. Our reception room seating permits at least 6′ of social distancing with no more than two patients at a time. If on arrival you prefer not to enter the reception area if there is another patient seated there, please call or text us to let us know you are here.
You may then enter when you are comfortable or may wait outside the door until one of our clinical team members is prepared to take you directly to a treatment room. We are also staggering our lunch and other breaks to maintain social distancing among our staff.
Patient Screening. We will continue to screen all patients with our COVID-19 screening questions at appointment confirmation and will be taking patient temperatures on arrival with no-contact infrared thermometers as well as measuring oxygen saturation levels with a pulse oximeter. Patients with a temperature greater than 100.4°F or with a pulse oximeter reading lower than 90% will not be seen.
Staff Screening. All staff will be screened daily for symptoms of COVD-19 and have temperatures checked on arrival in the morning as well as later in the day.
New Equipment. Our treatment rooms are being equipped with the latest aerosol evacuators with HEPA filtration and UV sterilization.
Staff PPE. Our staff will be wearing the proper recommended Personal Protective Equipment during your treatment. All staff will wear masks in the office throughout the day.
Change in Some Procedures. In the treatment room, we will ask you to wash your hands and to rinse with a hydrogen-peroxide solution for 30 secs prior to being seated in the dental chair.
At your cleaning visits to reduce additional contacts the doctor will not enter the room for your exam. The hygienist will perform your exam, document findings, and discuss it with the doctor. You will be reappointed if there is an issue that needs to be addressed by the doctor.
For the immediate future, we will not be using the Cavitron, intraoral sonic cleaners or lasers in order to minimize aerosol production in the treatment rooms. As we implement out aerosol evacuators we will gradually be phasing in these procedures again.
Many of you are already familiar with some of the intraoral devices that we have been using for a long time including high-velocity evacuation, Optragate, Isolite retraction and suction system, and rubber dam which we will continue to use to minimize the chance of aerosol spread.
What You Should Do:
Wear a Mask. All patients should bring a mask or facial covering to wear into the building and at all times when in our office except during the actual dental treatment procedures.
Don’t Bring Visitors. At this time no visitors, including children, are allowed in the office. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary assistance however any such companion must also answer the screening questions when your appointment is confirmed and have their temperature and oxygen level monitored on arrival.
Stay Home if You’re Unwell. If you are experiencing fever, cough, or shortness of breath (or if you have been in contact with anyone who may possibly have a known exposure to COVID-19), please call us to reschedule your appointment.
Allow Extra Time for Elevators. In order to have social distancing on the elevators, it may take longer to wait for a free elevator. Please arrive early to allow for this as we will not be able to see you if you arrive late for your visit.
We will be strictly adhering to our schedule in order to have the proper spacing of appointments. As noted above, if you do arrive at our office early and do not wish to enter the reception room with other patients there, just call or text us from outside the door to let us know you have arrived.