18/03/2020
A reminder for all...
PSA:
There’s still a lot that scientists and doctors don’t know about the new coronavirus and the illness it causes, so in order to do our part to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Vacaville Dental Care is following the ADA recommendation to postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. We are open to concentrate ONLY on emergency dental care to allow us to look after our emergency patients and alleviate the burden that dental emergencies would place on hospital emergency departments.
We are using this time to:
1. Identify our patients over the age of 60 with chronic conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, cancer, or diabetes who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19, and offer assistance with their basic needs.
2. Put protocols on top of our standard precautions, a) in screening patients for travel and signs and symptoms of infection when they update their medical histories, b) include taking temperature readings as part of our routine assessment of patients before performing dental procedures and c) having them rinse with a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution before each appointment.
3. Making sure the personal protective equipment we use is appropriate for the procedure being performed and using high-speed evacuation in combination with isovac (high volume evacuation) and rubber dam for dental procedures producing aerosols.
4. Deep clean and disinfect public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs, and bathrooms and closing our patient reception area and have the patients wait in the car parked in a shaded area.
5. Train our staff in the newly implemented protocols designed to STOP the spread of Covid-19 not only in our practice but also in our community.
It’s in our hands to STOP the spread of Covid-19. I advise following the guidelines of our scientific community.
1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based solution for 20 seconds.
2. Avoid touching your face (mouth, eyes, and nose).
3. Reduce social activity (social distancing) or maintain a 6-foot distance from anyone.
4. Assume you are already infected and a carrier even without showing any symptoms and practice hygiene protocols to reduce the spread.
5. If you are showing symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and difficulty breathing, CALL for medical attention and follow your doctor’s instructions.
We are all in this together. This too shall pass.
Taking one for the global team,
Dr. T
