Covid-19 Info at the Community Dental Clinic
COVID-19 has changed the way we operate at the Community Dental Clinic. Particles can become aerosolized (airborne) during dental procedures, making it extra important for patients and staff to implement additional safeguards.
Our team is working diligently to provide a safe and clean environment. Here are some of the extra measures we are taking to ensure your time in our office is without fear or concern, along with updated temporary policies.
Before You Arrive
Prior to your scheduled appointment, we require a confirmation call 48 hours in advance that you will be coming to the scheduled visit. This allows our office to properly screen you for COVID-19 symptoms or known exposure, along with new arrival updates and instructions. Depending on your answers, we may have to reschedule your appointment to a time that is safer for you and for our team. If we do not receive a confirmation call, the appointment time is forfeited to others waiting to be seen.
When You Arrive
We ask that you arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to allow for additional screening and updating paperwork. Our office will look and function a little differently. All of the changes below are for your safety and ours:
Patients are now able to enter and exit through our main entrance at the front office.
We request that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask while in the building, when appropriate.
We will ask you screening questions related to COVID-19.
We have removed all of the toys and magazines to help prevent the spread of infection.
Anyone in the family who is symptomatic for COVID-19 will be rescheduled out to a minimum of 2-3 weeks.
During the Appointment
Patients who meet certain age and criteria will perform a pre-procedural mouthrinse consisting of hydrogen peroxide and water. The clinician will ask you to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer before being seated in the operatory. Our clinicians will be wearing personal protective equipment that is more involved than what you are used to seeing, such as gowns, face shields, and N95 masks. You will also notice that we have increased barriers to prevent cross-contamination.
After the Appointment
Once the procedure is complete, the clinician will request that unvaccinated individuals wear a mask during the checkout process. For children, we provide choices for prizes and the clinician will dispense to avoid cross-contamination.
Elevated Infection Control Standards
We continue to apply infection control practices that have always been in place in our office. In addition, we are taking extra measures to ensure a clean and safe environment for our patients and our clinicians and this requires additional time between patients. We understand that our protocols may be inconvenient to you and your family and we thank you for your understanding. Our ultimate goal is to keep you safe and our team safe!