Coronavirus Update
Our Office’s Safety Precautions
To help prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections, including COVID-19, we adhere to standardized infection control measures, such as performing surface disinfection/sterilization, hand hygiene, wearing masks, and staggered scheduling of appointments. We implement rigorous cleaning and disinfection strategies, using hospital grade cleaners and pre-cleaning surfaces prior to applying an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectants, as well as triple sterilization of all instruments and equipment. We also use new N95 facemasks and gloves for each patient. All staff are fully vaccinated. In addition, we are a completely paperless office reducing the risk of exposure to potentially infectious pathogens.
While our office implemented these standard precautions prior to the pandemic, there are several commonsense recommendations we are implementing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Regardless of vaccination status, all patients are required to be tested for COVID-19 antigen prior to any appointment in our office setting.
- Screening patients for signs or symptoms of infection prior to scheduled office visits.
- Recording patient temperature prior to entering the office
- Making sure our masks, gloves, and eye protection are appropriate for the procedures performed.
- Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs, and bathrooms.
- Requiring all patients to wear masks in the office
- Only one patient is allowed in the office at a time with sterilization in between scheduled appointments.
- As is standard practice, all rigorous infectious disease prevention protocols will be strictly adhered to.
If you have an appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Travel within the past 14 days to affected geographical regions
- We will discuss your health status, the oral surgery treatment you require, and whether visiting our office will be safe for our other patients, and staff.
When you visit our office, we ask that you arrive on time for your appointment, rather than too early. This will minimize the amount of time you spend in our reception area. If you have a fever and/or respiratory symptoms, we will reschedule your appointment and order a suitable COVID-19 test.
How can you prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
How we go beyond the current CDC recommendations:
Our practice exceeds all the current surgical infection control recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), the American Dental Association (ADA), and Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP). The team practices these standards of infection control/sterilization multiple times daily with staff and patient’s safety in mind. The practice employs negative pressure rooms with mass HyperHEPA medical grade air purification 20 ACH (air exchange measures 20cycles per hour) and meticulous UVC and ozone disinfection protocol (both central and surface).
If you would like more information about our office’s dedication to your health and safety, please give us a call at (845)340-1962. For more information about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization website.