03/16/2020
To our Powell Valley Dental Family,
By now you’ve received many emails regarding the outbreak of COVID-19. Over the last few weeks and in particular this last weekend, unprecedented action has been taken by our governmental and community leaders to curb the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. I am especially proud of the steps that our communities are taking because these extraordinary measures are being done out of concern for the health of all individuals in our communities.
As you are aware, all across the US, events where large crowds would gather have been cancelled (schools, sporting events, political events, religious gatherings and so on.)
Here at Powell Valley Dental, the health and well being of our family of patients and employees is our utmost concern. And although we do not gather together in large crowds at the dental office, we would like to take this opportunity to address the dental office setting and what we all can do to be a part of limiting the spread of COVID-19.
As a dental care provider, we employ the most current sterilizing and disinfecting techniques that allows us to safely treat our patients and prevent the spread of infection. We strictly follow the recommendations of the CDC and ADA in regards to infection control. (We encourage all who are interested to visit the ADA sponsored website mouthhealthy.org to learn more about infection control in the dental office. Simply click on the link titled “Infection Control”.)
This being said, the rapid spread of COVID-19 is unlike anything we have experienced before. Therefore we are taking additional steps in our office to help prevent the spreading of this disease.
What we are doing in addition to our usual infection control procedures while you are visiting the dental office.
1-Providing hand sanitizer in the waiting area.
2- Disinfecting countertops and door handles in the waiting area and patient bathrooms many times throughout the day.
3- Asking you to practice Social Distancing practices while in the dental office.
4- While in treatment rooms, doctors, hygienists and assistants will continue to wear appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns and eyewear.
5- We will be greeting patients with a friendly smile, but without a handshake etc.
What you can do when you visit our office.
1- Use the hand sanitizer or wash your hands in the bathroom when you check in for your appointment and prior to using pens etc.
2- Practice social distancing while seated in the waiting area. Try to keep about 6 feet apart from others in the waiting area.
3- If you have had any symptoms of illness in the last 14 days, (especially fever or persistent cough), please give us a call about rescheduling your appointment.
4- If you have traveled to any of the countries on the travel ban list, or if you have come in close contact with anyone who has recently visited any of those countries, please make sure that you have been home and without symptoms for at least 14 days prior to visiting the office.
5- Become informed about COVID-19 and what you can do to stay healthy and prevent its spread so that you can do so with calm confidence.
6- If you are included among those considered “high risk” for having serious consequences as a result of contracting COVID-19, please consider postponing any elective dental treatment. We encourage that you request a phone call from Dr. Carpenter if you have questions and wish to discuss your specific situation.
7- Practice good self-care habits.
a- Wash your hands frequently with soap for at least 20 seconds.
b- Don’t touch your face.
c- Cover your sneeze or cough with a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
d- Get adequate rest.
e- Eat a healthy diet that will boost your immune system.
f- Follow social distancing practices as recommended by the CDC and heath care experts.
We have all seen how quickly “life as we know it" can change. We are monitoring the recommendations from CDC and the ADA as it pertains to COVID-19 in the dental office environment. We will make adjustments in light of new information as it comes forward from our governmental agencies and we will inform you of those adjustments.
And above all, we wish everyone health, happiness and peace as we go through this together.
Lastly, Dr. Carpenter is reserving time each evening to speak with any of our patients over the phone regarding their questions or concerns. Please call our office at 503-761-4001 if you wish to request a phone call from Dr. Carpenter.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Ryan Carpenter and Staff
MouthHealthy, part of the American Dental Association, is the patient's guide to dental health. Learn about dental health topics, preventive oral care, common dental symptoms such as toothaches and mouth sores, and search for a new dentist. Learn how to brush your teeth properly, floss for healthy g...
