What sort of changes can you expect in your dental or orthodontic appointment?

The spread of COVID-19 has impacted every aspect of our daily lives, from basic hygiene to exposure to others in a public and private setting. As we make predictions about “the new normal” or what life will look like moving forward, it can be difficult to anticipate entirely what the long-term results will be. However, while we begin lessening restrictions and prepare for a soft opening to begin seeing patients again, this is what you can expect when you visit our office.

Office screening before your appointment

We have initiated pre-screening questions and procedures to help limit the spread of COVID-19. We appreciate your patience as we take extra efforts to ensure the health of our patients and staff.

Our office will call you prior to your appointment and ask you a series of questions. These include:

1. Are you currently running a fever?
2. Have you experienced a fever in the last 14-21 days?
3. Are you currently experiencing shortness of breath?
4. Have you had breathing problems in the last 14-21 days?
5. Do you have a cough?
6. Have you experienced loss of smell or taste?
7. Have you experienced any flu-like symptoms, such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue?
8. Have you been exposed to anyone with COVID-19?
9. Are you above the age of 60?
10. Do you have heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease, and/or an autoimmune disorder?
11. Have you traveled to any areas affected by COVID-19 in the last 14 days?

Depending on your responses to the COVID-19 screening questions, we may choose to postpone your treatment. Individual patient appointments will be managed according to unique circumstances.

What You Can Expect When You Arrive for Your Appointment

As we continue to study COVID-19 and how it is transmitted, health authorities continue to release new information. We do know that the virus is transmitted when droplets from an infected person transfer to someone else, specifically through openings in the face and body. In order to help prevent that transmission, this is what you will encounter when you arrive at our offices.

1. All patients will be expected to wear a mask and wash hands prior to arriving.
2. Patients should arrive alone
3. Patients will be kept six feet apart from one another to prevent airborne transfer.
4. Your temperature will be taken with a no-touch thermometer.
5. All shoes will be sprayed with disinfectant and patients will be supplied hand sanitizer as they enter the office building.
6. Upon entrance into our dentist or orthodontist office, you may also be supplied with hand sanitizer and your temperature may also be taken here with a no-touch thermometer.
7. Waiting room chairs are spaced to ensure patients remain more than six feet away from one another.
8. Patients will be seen in separate rooms or in chairs that are six or more feet away from one another.
9. All patients will be asked to exit the building in a way that best supports limited contact with others.
10. After patients are seen, all surfaces and areas will be thoroughly disinfected prior to admitting the next patient.

Our goal is to ensure that all patients, staff, and family members are protected to the highest degree possible. Please reach out to our staff with any questions or concerns. We appreciate your patience as we work to serve our patients in the safest way possible.