We are open and welcome patients – safely!
You may wonder, during these uncertain coronavirus times, whether dentist visits are safe. We understand there is conflicting information available on the Internet, and we want to reassure our patients that – short of a sterile surgical suite – our dentist’s office just might be one of the safest places you can be.
The office of Dorothy Paul, DDS, strictly follows infection control recommendations by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We diligently update our response to these guidelines as the coronavirus situation changes over time and implement changes to our safety protocols as needed.
Here are the steps we have taken to protect the health of both patients and staff, some of which go above and beyond the recommended guidelines.
We work hard behind the scenes…
- In an effort to minimize the spread of germs, we disinfect and sterilize high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces. This includes door handles, check-in counters, waiting room chairs, and display tables.
- Our front office area, treatment rooms, and waiting area are equipped with air purification units.
- We have installed A/C duct covers to direct the airflow away from patients in treatment rooms.
- Our staff convene daily to announce changes in protocol, reiterate best practices, reinforce current health guidelines, and emphasize PPE requirements.
Prior to your appointment:
- Let us know if you are feeling ill or in contact with a person that has COVID-19 or symptoms of COVID-19.
- We diligently screen patients for incidents of exposure and possible COVID-19 symptoms. Patients who exhibit signs of illness or meet certain exposure criteria are asked to reschedule their appointment. Once approved for an in-person appointment, those same questions will be asked of every patient once they arrive at our office to ensure their health status has not changed in the meantime.
While you are here:
- When you arrive, please come to the front door to check-in. We implemented this policy to further reduce mingling in the waiting area and take patients to the treatment room as quickly as possible.
- Wearing face masks is optional. We do however insist on a temperature check for every patient or patient accompanier (e.g. a parent or guardian of a minor child patient) when you arrive.
- Forgot your mask at home or in the car? No problem! We will gladly provide one to every visitor.
- Hand sanitizer for patients and employees is available throughout the office.
- Worried about the health of staff members? We are transparent about our staff members’ health, and employees exhibiting any flu-like symptoms whatsoever are required to stay home.
During and after treatment:
- As always, treatment rooms are thoroughly sanitized with disinfectant spray and wipes after every patient.
- For additional protection, we are covering certain equipment like computer keyboards with plastic screens.
- Also, as before, clinical staff members actively involved in the treatment of patients are required to wear personal protective equipment.
- Goggles, face shields or gowns are no cause for alarm. They merely enhance patient and staff protection.
- Patients are covered with a drape, which is washed after each use.
- All instruments are diligently sterilized as outlined by CDC recommendations and requirements.
When you leave, please consider using hand sanitizer (available at the check-out counter and throughout our office) for an extra layer of protection. And don’t forget to thoroughly wash your hands when you get home!
Dental offices have always been held to the highest sanitation standards, even before pandemic times. With additional safety protocols in place*, we hope you can rest easy during your visit in our office. Should you have any concerns about our health precautions, please don’t hesitate to address them with a staff member or Dr. Paul directly.
Don’t delay your dental health check-up or treatment. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment by calling 713-977-1010!
*Please note that there will be a $15 charge per visit for new infection prevention cost.