05/04/2020
How can we make dental visits safe for everyone?
Getting ready to go back to work here since the pandemic has meant coming up with ways to make patient visits as safe as possible. We are waiting on the governor to give us the green light, but wanted to let you know what we have been doing.
The biggest problem is uncertainty. Studies are showing that many people who get the virus don't feel bad enough to go to the doctor and get tested. That's good in a way, but these "silent spreaders" are a concern, especially for those over 65 or with underlying health conditions.
During this pandemic, I've shopped where I have felt safe, at a grocery where everyone wears a mask and steps are being taken for my protection. Similarly, we have been taking steps to make our dental office safe for everyone. First, we will continue to use universal precautions and treat EVERYONE as if they have something contagious. The mask and gloves dentists wear are part of this strategy. But to be really safe, we can add some additional precautions. Here are a few that we have implemented: We will have you wash your hands upon entering the office so you don't inadvertently carry anything in with you. To minimize aerosols we will use (rubber dam) isolation and continuous high volume suction during treatment. We will also add a pretreatment mouth rinse. We have redesigned the treatment rooms for airborne infection isolation and mitigation of aerosols by adding better ventilation (highlighted in the last newsletter.) We have added time to wipe down the doorhandles and countertops between each patient. We will limit or eliminate waiting time in the reception area. We will limit or eliminate your encounters with other patients while in our office. We will also provide a way for you check in and out remotely by calling or texting us when you arrive or want to settle up after treatment.
There are also some things YOU can do to help!
*Only come in if you are well. If you or anyone in your household has had a recent fever or any other symptoms (recent body aches, persistent cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, chills, sores on your toes) please CALL so we can reschedule you! This will help stop the spread of the virus and is the only real defense we have against it.
*Prevent introduction of the virus into the office. Follow CDC guidelines and wash your hands and wear a face mask to your appointment! On arrival we will have hand sanitizer for you at the front desk. We will check your temperature with a touchless thermometer. If you are sick, we will refer you to your doctor.
*Be patient. Time between appointments has been extended to allow us to adequately put these extra precautions in place.
*Social distancing. With a few exceptions, only patients that have appointments will be allowed inside the building. If someone comes with you who does not have an appointment, then we ask that they wait in the car.
Thanks for your understanding. We can get through this together!
We have a new way to communicate! The office has a special TWO-WAY TEXTING number with Linda at 828 373-8825.
Remember to WASH YOUR HANDS and don't forget to BRUSH YOUR TEETH!
Sincerely,
David M. LeMay, DDS
