COVID-19 Office Update

Written By: Carly Peterschmidt, DMD

[Updated October 7, 2022]

We want you to know that we are following the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Thankfully, throughout the pandemic, studies have shown that dental offices have effectively prevented transmission of COVID-19. There are guidelines to help medical facilities in our approach to continuing patient care in the midst of this pandemic. These guidelines state that our office must:

  1. Have adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) for our clinicians as recommended by the CDC
  2. Adhere to strict infection control policies as recommended by the CDC
  3. Decrease caseload volume to maximize social distancing
  4. Implement patient screening techniques

COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS

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For those of you who want to know the specifics of what we are doing differently than prior to the pandemic, we have outlined the changes that we have made with the health and safety of our team, patients, and community in mind:

    1. Patient Communication

We have implemented additional reminder text messages for upcoming appointments. If you have elected to receive text messages, you will receive an appointment reminder one week prior to your visit. One day prior to your visit, the check-in procedures will be described, which includes COVID-19 screening guidelines. Two days after your visit, you will receive a follow-up message to report any symptoms within 14 days after your visit.

For those who do not have a cell phone, all of these procedures will be performed verbally via phone call.

    1. Personal Protective Equipment

t is still a state requirement according to the OHA to wear a mask/ face covering in healthcare facilities despite relaxed mask guidelines in other settings. We are following this requirement, and ask that you do not enter our office without a mask. We ask that all patients wear a face covering when entering the building until we instruct them to remove it and also upon completion of their visit/ exit of their treatment room. If there is anyone who is unable to wear a face covering, please make special arrangements by calling us prior to entering our facility.

You will notice we will be wearing extra protection during your visit. Where we used to welcome you without our protective gear on, we hope you will understand and not find it unfriendly when we greet you with all of our protective gear already on. All providers will be wearing appropriate masks for the procedure being performed, as outlined by the CDC and OSHA.

    1. Patient and Staff Screening

We have a strict policy for our staff members to stay home or go home if they have or develop any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
Patients are asked to inform our office prior to all appointments if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19, if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 within the last 10 days, if they have had a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath within the last 10 days, and if they have had any contact with SARS-CoV-2 biologic material in the last 10 days. From there, our office can help determine if a patient’s appointment needs to be rescheduled based on the most up-to-date guidance.

Post-operative follow-up texts/ calls will be made to learn if anyone develops symptoms within 48 hours of their dental visit.

    1. Infection Control

Thankfully, the dental profession was already enforcing strict infection protocols for prevention of disease transmission prior to the Coronavirus. The surface disinfectants and sterilization methods we use are approved for killing SARS-CoV-2.

In addition, we have increased disinfection of non-clinical areas, such as the reception area and bathroom.

    1. Aerosol-Producing Procedures

In theory, we would hope that no one who makes it past our screening procedures would be infected with Coronavirus, but we do know that those who are carriers of the disease may not necessarily be symptomatic. There are certain procedures in dentistry that produce large amounts of aerosols. Aerosolized viral particles can cause a higher risk for disease transmission.

We have implemented multiple methods to reduce aerosols to prevent others from breathing in these particles. One major advantage we have in our office are the walls and cabinetry between operatories. We have upgraded our HVAC system filters and have installed HALO-LED Whole Home Air Purification Systems. Within each operatory, we have implemented improved high-volume evacuation techniques, as well as individual HEPA air filtration units with redirection of air flow towards the filters.

    1. Social Distancing

Outside of treatment areas, we are encouraging a 6-foot distancing from one another. We have implemented digital form capabilities to prevent patients from waiting in the reception area if they prefer not to. Patients can also continue to check-in from their cars if they prefer.

We are looking forward to seeing you again at your next dental visit and will keep you updated as recommendations change 😊.

Sincerely,
Dr. Carly