03/22/2020
Dear Patients, Family, and Friends,
As always, Drs. Coombs and DeLacy strive to take care of our patients and their health--and this goes beyond just the teeth and mouth. Due to elevated concerns of the coronavirus, its transmission, and the multiple unknowns that continue to surround this developing pandemic, we have suspended our normal operations (and limit our care to urgent and emergent appointments only.)
On Monday, March 16, at 5pm, Sandusky and Lexington Dental Care suspended all routine and elective care, including cleanings, for at least 2-3 weeks. We thought this was the most efficient way to prevent unnecessary disease spread and to prevent this pandemic from taxing the critical health care resources that will be necessary to provide care to those for whom illness is most severe. This was in line with the recommendations from the Michigan Dental Association, American Dental Association, and other public health officials.
On Friday, March 20, Michigan's Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, signed an Executive Order 2020-17, which imposes temporary restrictions on non-essential medical and dental procedures. This means every dentist in Michigan must comply, it is not just a recommendation. The order is in effect until the termination of the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Therefore, our offices will be closed until further notice, per the orders of Governor Whitmer. We hope that these extreme actions now will help to serve our community and patients while protecting our ability to continue to provide the important dental care for patients in dire need.
While we are unsure of the exact, time-specific details of how this pandemic will play out, we will constantly monitor things and resume normal operations as soon as it is safe and prudent to do so, with the clearing from the state. If you are an existing patient and experience a dental urgency or emergency during this suspension, we encourage you to call Dr. Coombs at (810)404-5545 or text Dr. DeLacy (810)531-7398, so we can attempt to arrange appropriate care. The American Dental Association (ADA) has provided guidance on what should be considered emergency dental care. The limited list of treatment is centered around severe pain that a patient can no longer tolerate or pain with or without facial swelling with the potential for airway obstruction. In any event, if you are having an emergency, still contact either doctor so that we can potentially prescribe medication if swelling is involved as well as have your name listed so that we can contact you upon reopening.
These are extremely difficult times for all, and we appreciate your understanding and support as we move forward. Together, we can "flatten the curve" and make it through this time and come out the other side stronger and healthier than before. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this will cause many people and look forward to tending to your regular dental and health needs as timely as possible. In the meantime, we wish the best to all other healthcare providers fighting this pandemic, and wish our community and patients safety and good health.
Sincerely,
Drs. Tom Coombs and Colleen DeLacy
