OFFICE RESPONSE PLAN
In the wake of the novel coronavirus, our providers and staff are doing everything to ensure your visit is safe. Our plan incorporates recommendations from the CDC, ADA, NJDA, and the State of New Jersey.
Air Sterilization
HEPA UV-C AIR PURIFIERS
Each patient room has a PureEnrichment PureZone 3-in-1 HEPA Air Purifier, which operates continuously. The UV-C light in the filter adds another level of sanitation by safely eliminating germs, viruses, and bacteria.
EXTRA ORAL SUCTIONS
For aerosol producing procedures, our office has purchased 4 new extra oral dental suction systems, which can be adjusted as needed. Extra oral suctions safely remove droplets and aerosol particles created while providing treatment.
OPEN WINDOWS & DOORS
Each patient room has at least 1 large window, which will be left open during procedures. Natural air flow disperses molecules and drastically decreases the chance of person-to-person transmission.
HVAC UV LIGHT
Our HVAC system has been upgraded with a UV light air purification system. Microorganisms like COVID-19 that pass within the UV bulbs line of sight are destroyed and sanitized air is circulated.
Staff/Patient Distancing
Office Operations
Each wing of our newly expanded office is designated to just one dentist and one assistant. Unless it becomes absolutely necessary for the safety or health of themselves or a patient, dentists and assistants are required to isolate in their wings throughout the working day.
REDUCED PATIENT-STAFF INTERACTION
Appointments will be scheduled over the phone. If patients must come into the office for administrative reasons they are required to remain 6-feet from staff at all times. Appointment check in and payments will be made over the phone.
LIMITED PATIENT CAPACITY
Patient capacity will be reduced by 50-60%. This allows us to limit person-to-person contact and ensure we can run the added air sterilization measures put in place.
MINORS
One parent (who will also undergo COVID-19 screening) will be allowed to enter the patient room 17 years old or younger. Parents are encouraged to stay in their vehicles during children's appointments, if possible.
TRANSLATORS
Patients will be given an in office translator when possible. Translators will be encouraged to Facetime or video call into a visit, rather than joining the patient in the operatory.
LIMITING HAND-OBJECT CONTACT
We have temporarily eliminated magazines and encourage you to use our online PDF version of business cards, which you can download here: :LINK. All doors to office will remain open when possible to eliminate need to touch door knobs.
NO CONTACT ROOM ENTRY
Our office has been modified to assist in no-contact room entry for patients, reducing the amount of people you come into contact with. Our goal is to have you only interact with your dentist and dental assistant. When prompted by our front desk via telephone, patients will be instructed to walk to a pre-marked patient room, which will be prepared for them. Please bring a charged phone with you to the appointment, as we are no longer able to provide you with charging stations.
All patients or guardians of patients will undergo pre-appointment screenings. Any patient that does not pass the screening process will be encouraged to call their primary care physicians and rescheduled to a later day.
TEMPERATURE CHECKS & ACTIVE MONITORING
All patients or guardians of patients will under go temperature checks. Any patient/guardian with a temperate higher than 99.0 will encouraged to isolate at home and call their PCPs. All dentists and staff will also undergo morning temperate checks. Any staff member or patient who was knowingly exposed to COVID-19, or has flu-like symptoms/fever/cough is required to self-isolate at home and call their physicians. We thank you for being patient with us during this time as our office may become short staffed and require schedule changes to ensure we are providing all patients with safe care.
Patients will wait in their vehicles until they are called via telephone to enter the office for their appointments. Patients will be called after exiting the office to make a follow up visit.
FREQUENT SURFACE & HAND STERILIZATION
Hand sanitizers will be available at each station and in each patient room. Hourly sanitation of counters/bathroom door handles will be performed.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Patients entering the office must wear a face mask or face covering. They will be provided with hand sanitizer/gloves prior to entering the office. All staff are required to wear N95 masks or FDA approved equivalents. Gloves, face shields, head covers, gowns will all be readily available.