03/15/2020
As our community has begun to be affected by COVID-19, we wanted to take a moment to ensure our patients know we will continue to be here for them and are following recommendations from the American Dental Association and the New York State Dental Association. We are preparing daily as new details emerge regarding this outbreak.
Most importantly, Caledonia Family Dentistry has always practiced Universal Infection Control Precautions to keep our patients and our team safe and healthy. These precautions have always included hand washing, hand sanitization, PPE (personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, safety glasses etc.) as well as instrument autoclave sterilization, sanitizing/wiping of chairs, counters and all other equipment in the operatory. This protocol occurs after EACH AND EVERY PATIENT. Additionally, disposable tools and needles are never reused and all protective covers and sleeves are removed and replaced after each procedure. We practice these measures on a daily basis to not only keep our patients safe, but our team as well.
In light of COVID-19 we have also taken additional measures to keep our office clean and safe for our patients and staff. All common areas such as waiting room chairs, door k***s, reception counters, bathrooms, etc. are all being disinfected multiple times per day. We have also removed magazines and newspapers, as well as the childrenâs toy basket from our waiting room for the time being. We ask that you arrive as close to your appointment time as possible so that we can minimize congregation in our waiting room and we promise to do our very best to take you right in at your scheduled time so that you will not be waiting. In accordance with the ADAâs recommendations, we will also be asking patients to rinse with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash prior to procedures. Additionally, our staff has been advised to not report to the office should they be having symptoms of any illness, regardless of how mild.
We do ask that if you have an appointment scheduled and are feeling ill, please call our office to reschedule and to let us know you wonât be coming. We are taking this matter very seriously and we value the health and well-being of both our dental team and our patients.
We will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidelines from the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to their websites, more information can be found at mouthhealthy.org.
Sincerely,
Dr. Meg Wheeler, Dr. Jennifer Kopacz and Dr. David Huff