While extra time at home with the family has been wonderful, I’ve tried all the new recipes I wanted to, the yard is finally looking good, and I think I’ve played enough kickball to last me for a while! I hope you all have been relatively healthy and been able to weather the storm of the current economic conditions. We are anxious to get back to serving our wonderful patients!
Things will look and feel a little different as we navigate this new Covid-19 world, prioritizing the health and safety of our patients and staff.
This is not the first contagious illness that has circulated our country nor will it be the last. The dental community has dealt with threats from HIV/AIDS, Swine flu, H1N1, MERS, SARS to name the most well-known. In addition, every year in “flu season” we see patients who have had the flu or have recently recovered. Preventing the spread of disease is a part of our everyday existence as your dentist and dental care team. For this reason, we have always followed the strict sanitation and disinfection guidelines of the CDC, and continue to do so. That being said, we have added a few extra precautions per updated guidelines.
Your dental care providers will wear extra layers of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), including N95 masks, gowns, and face shields, etc. We will allow extra time between appointments to thoroughly clean and disinfect between patients.
We will call you prior to your appointment to confirm that you are able to come in. We will ask some prescreening questions to be sure you are healthy and haven’t been ill recently, as well as inform you about what to expect. When you arrive, please call us from your vehicle and we will let you know when it is time to come in. This minimizes people in the waiting room as well as limits contact between patients. We do not require a mask be worn, but recommend you wear one until you are in the dental chair. You will be asked to use hand sanitizer when you enter, we will take your temperature with a contactless thermometer, and you may be asked to use an oral rinse prior to your dental work being done.
While we are all concerned about this virus, I am also concerned about delaying needed dental care including regular preventive visits. Maintaining the health of your teeth and gums serves to support your overall health and wellness. I am certain that not getting the care you need, and neglecting routine preventive cleanings always leads to more extensive and expensive dental treatments later that will have a direct impact on you long after we have solved this public health threat.
Our hours may be limited in the beginning weeks as we ease into the new protocols and procedures and workflow. We thank you in advance for your patience and cooperation. As always, please call the office number, 503-363-6525, with questions and concerns. Calls will be returned promptly if we are closed, and Dr. Haider continues to be available via the emergency line in the case of a true dental emergency. That number is given on the answering machine at the office line.
We can’t wait to see you soon!
Dr. Jeremy Haider and staff