Coronavirus Precautions – March 13

To our Dear Patients,

Your health is at the center of everything we do. Now, with the reality of the new coronavirus, we have added even more stringent measures to further protect your health, as well as the health of our team. Everyone must do their part, and time is of the essence.

In our office, we have the highest standards for cleanliness, health and safety.
 
What We Have Always Done

• We wear single-use gloves and masks along with eye protection during procedures.
• Our dental equipment is either single-use disposable or sterilized in an FDA-approved autoclave machine.
• All areas that may be touched in our operatories are cleaned with a powerful disinfectant followed by the placement of a disposable barrier wrap (for example, on light handles and patient chairs).  
• Of course, we thoroughly wash our hands before and after every patient encounter. 

Plus New Precautions

• Our front desk, reception area, and all other non-clinical spaces are cleaned throughout the day with the same powerful disinfectant used in clinical areas.
• No-contact greetings: while we normally love handshakes and hugs, going forward we will offer a wave and a smile.
• Additional paid sick days for our wonderful team to make it easier for them to stay home if they aren’t feeling well.
• Keeping our masks on more often, including during conversations. 

What You as Our Patient Can Do

• Stay home and reschedule your appointment if you are sick or have been sick in the last 14 days. This is crucial.
• Stay home if you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, which our team will ask you prior to your appointment. Then, please call us to re-schedule your appointment and contact your physician for medical advice. 
  • Do you have a fever (body temperature greater than 99 degrees), or have you experienced fever in the past 14 days?
  • Do you have a recent onset of respiratory problems such as cough or difficulty breathing?
  • Have you recently traveled to any location that has a level 3 Travel Health Notice (found on the CDC website)?
  • Have you come into contact with anyone with confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
• Please, do not enter the office if you are sick or have had possible contact with areas or people confirmed with the virus. This is crucial. A sign at our front door will remind you. 

To Avoid Respiratory Illness

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue then throw the tissue away.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
• Stay home when you are sick.

We thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility during this unsettling time.

It will take all of us working together to help slow the spread of the virus and ease the burden on our healthcare system and community. We will get through this, but what that looks like in many ways depends on the steps we take now.

In the meantime, I want to assure you that all of us at Alpine Dental Health are following the most stringent guidelines possible to protect your health and prevent the transmission of the coronavirus.

As always, we are here to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you soon.

With care,

Your Trusted Alpine Dental Health Team