Dear Dental Patient Family:
Infection control has always been and continues to be a top priority in our practice. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued and to ensure infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies’ recommendations. When you receive care, we want to make sure it is both safe and comfortable.
We are excited to tell you about enhancements we have made to our office environment as well as new protocols we have in place to maintain the well-being of our patients and staff as our community faces the COVID-19 pandemic.
What We Are Doing: Office Enhancements and New Protocols
- In-duct Air Purifier Installation – We had two award winning in-duct air purifiers installed in the office. This system is capable of purifying every cubic inch of air that our central air conditioning system reaches and is proven effective against all three categories of indoor air pollutants: particulates (aerosols produced by dental procedures), microbial and gasses.
- Sneeze Guard Installation – We have installed sneeze guards at the reception counters to protect patients and staff from airborne contaminants.
- Staff Screening – We will be screening staff daily and taking staff temperatures to ensure we are coming to the office healthy.
- Additional PPE for Clinicians – Your hygienist and dental assistant as well as Dr. Fernandez and Dr. Cox will have a new look when you see them next. They will be sporting face shields, masks and gowns, when appropriate, as added protection.
- Reception Area Routine Disinfection – We will be wiping down all touchable surfaces (counters, chairs, doorknobs, switches, etc.) on a regular basis with EPA approved cleaners. We have also removed all potential COVID-19 transmission material from the reception area (magazines and coffee machine) and will prop the reception area door open to limit surface contamination.
- Pre-appointment Patient Screening Procedures – We will be screening our patients prior to all appointments as well as taking patient temperatures in effort to identify patients who pose a potential risk for COVID-19.
What We Ask of Our Patients:
- Come to Your Appointments Healthy – If you have not been feeling well or suspect you may be coming down with something, please reschedule your appointment. All late cancellation fees will be waived if you are cancelling due to illness.
- Follow New Check-In Procedures – Before entering our office, please review the screening questions outside our office door. If your answer is “yes” to any of these questions, please contact our office before entering (phone: 757-497-4825 or text 859-600-0840).
- Social Distance – Please social distance in the waiting room leaving an open chair between you and anyone who is not in your immediate family.
- Limit the Number of Companions – In effort to reduce the number of people in the office at any given time, please limit the number of people accompanying you to your appointment to only essential companions.
- Wear Masks – Please wear a mask to your appointment along with anyone accompanying you.
- Hand Sanitizer – We will have hand sanitizer in the reception area and in other places as needed. Please apply hand sanitizer when you enter the office.
- Thank you! – We sincerely appreciate your cooperation with our office protocols!
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we are taking to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. We want to assure you that not just your oral health, but your overall health is of utmost importance to us.
Please be aware that your oral health impacts your systemic health. If your overall health is good, please do not neglect your oral health. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to seeing you healthy at your next dental visit!
-Michael Fernandez Family Dentistry