03/14/2020
To our patients:
Many patients ask us if, with this latest news, it is safe to go to the dentist. The answer is yes.
We disinfect and sterilize all surfaces and tools to counteract the spread of viruses and bacteria. In the latest weeks, we also try to manage appointments to avoid overlaps and crowds in the waiting room.
Since many people wonder what sort of infection control procedures are used in our dental office, but don't often ask, we thought we'd take the proactive approach and share with you how we keep your health and safety at the top of our list at AV DENTAL CARE
It means that all surfaces in the appointment room, including the dental chair, dental light, and all drawers and countertops have been cleaned and decontaminated. We also cover all working areas with protective covers and replace them with each new patient. In the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are also being extra vigilant in our high traffic spaces and frequently touched areas – such as disinfecting our seating, countertops, doorknobs, and writing instruments.
Hygiene is at the core of every sound dental practice. No doubt when you arrive at our office, you notice it is clean from top to bottom, and that familiar dentist office “clean” scent permeates the air. That fresh clean scent is a testament to our adherence to the strict guidelines set out by the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Centers For Disease Control (CDC), that instruct our every move when it comes to protecting each patient.
We would like to request the following of you for the safety of our patients and staff:
• Please inform us if you have recently travelled out of the country or recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19. If you have – please wait 14 days before scheduling an appointment. Once you can confirm that there are no symptoms, we can proceed with scheduling
• If you have a fever, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, or flu-like symptoms, we kindly ask you to also reschedule your appointments after you are fully recovered
• If you feel like you are experiencing symptoms or suspect you may be have COVID-19 – please call your healthcare provider or emergency room first before going in. They will screen you and direct to the best course of action to prevent the spread in public areas
So what can you do to protect yourselves, your family and our staff from COVID-19? The CDC has RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, such as:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. (These recommendations already are part of our Standard Precautions.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, throw the tissue in the trash, and then wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
Your health and safety is important to the entire staff at AV DENTAL CARE. Call us if you have any questions.
(760) 375-2622
