Our office has developed a protocol utilizing data from the CDC, the ADA, the IDA, and scientific research. As always, our priority is to provide exceptional care to our patients while protecting the safety and wellbeing of our patients and staff. Our office policies in response to the pandemic will evolve as new recommendations and mandates become available.
Our staff completed three days of special training to prepare ourselves for seeing patients during the COVID19 pandemic.
We have always followed Universal Precautions, but you will notice our staff members wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) in response to the COVID19 pandemic, which has been recommended by public health officials. We are also conducting special disinfection procedures in both clinical and administrative areas of the office. In addition, staff member temperatures and medical/exposure history are taken and recorded daily.
Our office is promoting social distancing by spacing out patient appointments to ensure that patients are not checking in or checking out at the same time. This may mean you will have to wait longer for an appointment with Dr. Alavanja. We are also requesting that patients wait in their cars and notify the front desk of their arrival by phone call. The front desk staff will then call the patient when we are ready to see him or her and the patient can then enter the office. Before entering the clinical area of the office, each patient will have his or her temperature taken. Patients will also be asked a series of questions regarding symptoms and possible exposure to COVID19 during appointment confirmation, check-in, and as part of the medical history update completed at the beginning of the appointment.
As always, hand hygiene supplies, including hand sanitizer, sinks, and disinfecting hand soap are readily available for patients. Patients will be asked to wear a mask in the office when not undergoing periodontal treatment or examination.
Thank you for your patience with our new temporary office procedures. They may result in slightly longer phone calls and appointments, but they are so important in ensuring the safety of our patients and staff.
