FAQs
Our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of care while adjusting to new safety protocols to keep everyone safe, healthy, comfortable, and happy. Your oral health is our priority, and we are working hard to protect you!
From our experienced front desk staff to our trusted dentists, our team is prepared to help answer any of your questions. If you have additional questions that aren’t addressed below, please reach out to us, and we’d be happy to answer them for you!
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
We have always maintained the highest level of infection control for you as a patient and are closely following FDA and CDC regulations to provide you with the safest experience possible. Our long-established standards, including masks, gloves, face shields, eye protection, and protective clothing, are designed to protect both patients and our staff and neutralize risks.
Yes, we're currently providing almost all services, including routine hygiene cleanings, except for cosmetic dentistry.
Our staff has all undergone specialized safety trainings. Additionally, staff temperatures are taken every day before seeing patients. All dental assistants, hygienists, and dentists have been properly fit tested for their N95 masks.
Yes, in accordance with your state's phased re-opening plan, we have resumed hygiene appointments and we're excited to welcome both new and existing patients!
PPE = Personal Protection Equipment. In order for us to operate safely and remain financially stable, for the time being, we are adding a Personal Protection Equipment “PPE fee” for every appointment and procedure. The $10, which has become a standard fee in the industry since COVID, allows us to purchase the equipment we need (much of which has increased in cost by 1000% in the past 3 months) and continue to provide you with the highest quality of care in the safest manner possible.
To maintain social distancing guidelines, we are requesting that you prepay for your appointment. Our office will reach out 1-2 days before your appointment with payment options.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
Please make sure that your mask remains on until the dentist or hygienists instruct you to remove it.
We are following state guidelines for allowable procedures.
The masks are made of 4 layers of polypropylene fabric which provides a high level of filtration, as well as a seal around the periphery of the mask itself.
The rinse of peroxide is used because the virus is vulnerable to oxidation from the hydrogen peroxide. The droplets from the lungs can end up in the oral cavity which is why a rinse is recommended.
Hygiene can offer Scaling and Root Planing procedures by hand scaling. This means the hygienist would not use a Cavitron. If the patient requires more involved work, we will refer you to a Periodontist.
Yes, some follow-ups and consultations can be handled via a tele-appointment. It's safe, secure, and easy! Please reach out to us for more details.
ABOUT OUR SAFETY PROTOCOLS
We disinfect surfaces multiple times per day and after every patient.
We are reducing aerosol usage and in the instances where we need to produce aerosols, we are utilizing high-speed suction as well as filtration systems.
Each member of our team has completed awareness and prevention trainings to enhance their knowledge and preparedness. We are also taking each staff member's temperature every day as they arrive at the office.
Yes, as has always been the protocol, we are changing our gloves between each patient.
Yes, all surfaces are disinfected between patients. This eliminates the possibility of a dentist or hygienist transferring germs from a contaminated surface to the patient.
The office will check the sterilizer with biological indicators. We know the autoclave is working properly when the solution changes color to black. We also do spore testing to ensure all of our equipment is properly sanitized.