COVID-19 Information
We want to let you know what to expect at your upcoming appointment, and to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice and the changes we have made to our office to keep you, your family, and our office staff safe.
Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions, concerns or suggestions.
What to expect at your appointment:
Our office will call you before your visit to ask you some screening questions. If you are sick, have symptoms of being sick, or have been exposed to anyone who is sick, please reschedule your appointment and stay home. If you are in a high-risk group, it may be better to defer elective treatment.
When you arrive for your appointment, please remain in your car and call the office to let us know you have arrived. You will be asked screening questions via the phone and informed when it is time to come into the building. In accordance with the CDC guidelines for dental practices and Maryland state regulations, everyone entering the building and our office is required to wear a face mask at all times except during dental treatment.
You will be greeted at the door of Suite 204 for a temperature check using a contactless, infrared forehead thermometer.
We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office.
You will be given a COVID-19 Informed Consent to Treat form to review and sign. This form is available here. Please read it before your appointment. If you have any questions or concerns about the information, please contact us before your appointment.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, we will be practicing social distancing and will guide you on how to proceed throughout your appointment.
During your visit discussions regarding treatment will be short and efficient. In depth discussions will be made on the phone.
Infection Control Information:
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Due to the fluid nature of this pandemic, we are continually making improvements and changes as these agencies modify their recommendations.
We will be using personal protective equipment for your safety and ours. This includes N95 respirators, face shields, gloves, hair covers, and fluid resistant lab coats.
We also will be using an ADS Extraoral Suction System to collect aerosols, droplets, dust, and pathogens produced during dental procedures. The system filters particulate matter through a HEPA filter, which captures particles down to 0.3 microns with 99.995% efficiency. Ultraviolet lights are positioned on the HEPA filter to kill any remaining bacteria and viruses.
Additionally, to address the airborne spread of COVID19 and other infectious diseases, the following indoor air quality renovations were made:
We have had bipolar ionizers installed in the heating and cooling system in the office to purify the air. Bi-polar ionizers are proven to be effective on 95% of bacteria and viruses, 91% of mold spores, and 98% of VOC's.
The flow of the air was reconfigured to help prevent spread of germs. The airflow was balanced at each supply and return, to ensure proper air changes in crucial areas, and the outdoor airflow was adjusted to increase fresh air flow.
The heating and cooling system was cleaned with NU Calgon HVAC disinfectant to remove any bacteria or other contaminants.