03/19/2020
An Update to Our Patients Regarding COVID-19
To Our Amazing and Beloved Patients,
With the growing concern surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community, we wanted to send an update regarding this situation as it pertains to our practice. The health and safety of our patients and staff is our utmost priority. Dental133 has been actively preparing for screening potential patients with the COVID-19 virus, and are taking every precaution to stop the transmission to other patients, staff members, and visitors.
TEMPORARY CLOSING OF OUR CLINIC
Although our nation and local community has recently made great efforts to control the spread of this virus, on March 16, 2020, the ADA recommended all dentists limit their practice to EMERGENCY CARE ONLY to both mitigate the spread of the virus, as well as to alleviate the burden on Emergency Departments that would come with total closure of dental practices. With that new mandate and our own policies and precautions in place, we will only be seeing patients for emergency care beginning Thursday, March 19, 2020.
The doctor is available by telephone or email if non-urgent care or questions arise. We will continue to monitor those channels to allow you to keep in contact with us. We will notify you as this situation evolves, and as to when we are fully able to re-open. You can also continue to follow future updates on Facebook.
UPCOMING APPOINTMENTS
All appointments from March 19th to April 5th have been cancelled at this time. We will be working to get in contact with any patients who had previously scheduled during this period. If you have not heard from us, feel free to call or email us to find a new appointment. We will be adding additional availability once we are able to see patients again and will keep you advised.
HIGH RISK PATIENTS
We want to continue to protect the most vulnerable patients as this virus continues to spread. This includes elderly patients as well as people with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease. Any patient who is considered immune deficient or on any medications that suppress their immune system should be considered high-risk as well. Any high-risk patients should consider rescheduling any emergency visits to a later date when possible.
PREVENTION
Infection control protocols have always been stringent and held to the highest standards at Dental 133. All non-Operatory surfaces including door k***s, chair handles, bathroom finishings, etc are being disinfected throughout the day as well.
We will continually monitor and review our situation as new information becomes available from the CDC, ADA and World Health Organization (WHO). We ask that you continue to do your part in controlling this virus by practicing these everyday prevention techniques listed below:
· Avoid close contact with people, especially those who are sick or symptomatic
· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue
· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
· Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for a least 20 seconds.
· When unable to wash, use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer
If you have any questions or concerns about any of this information, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Dr. Lori J Engelmann and Dental133 Staff
