COVID-19: Patient Protocols and Procedures
The coronavirus outbreak is not over. It is important for us to remember that at all times. Although the state of New Jersey is allowing a gradual reopening of medical and dental facilities, this does not mean that the coronavirus threat has disappeared. We are therefore required to continue to follow proper prevention strategies to ensure social distancing parameters are continuously met. The following protocols are now being implemented for patients who are coming to our office for dental care:
1. PRE-APPOINTMENT SCREENING
Our office will ask you some health questions regarding the signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Positive responses to any of these would likely indicate a deeper discussion with the dentist before proceeding with elective dental treatment. To ensure everyone’s safety on occasion, out of an over abundance of caution we may re-schedule and appointment to a later date if required.
2. IN-OFFICE SCREENING
Please be aware that these screening questions will be repeated and your temperature and oxygen levels will be taken when you arrive at the office in order to ensure nothing has changed since the pre-appointment screening phone conversation took place.
3. COME TO YOUR APPOINTMENT BY YOURSELF
We would like to remind patients/guardians to limit extra companions on your trip to our office to only essential people
in order to reduce the number of people in the reception area. Although this may seem strange, it is all being done out of an abundance of concern for your health, as well as that of the other patients being seen in our office, the doctor and the staff, and any in the public with whom they might come in contact with.
*Only one guardian will be allowed into our office appointments for minors: siblings, grandparents & other
friends and/or relatives will not be allowed.*
*Companions for disabled patients and patients with disabilities will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis*
4. ONLINE OFFICE FORMS
All of our office forms are now available online. They can be completed online either on a desktop computer or on a smart phone. There is no need to print the forms either. We ask that all patients complete all of our office forms online so that the utilization of paper, pens, clipboards and other items that can potentially transmit the coronavirus not have to be physically utilized.
5. WAIT IN YOU CAR AND CALL US WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT
To implent social distancing as best as possible, we request that all our patients wait in their car when they arrive to their appointment. Once you arrive, you can call or text our office and we will call/text you as to when you should enter the practice. Our objective is to be able to bring you straight into our treatment room, bypassing the waiting room and other common areas where contact with others is possible.
* For patients who use other forms of transportation, or disabled patients who use a transportation service, call us before your visit so we can provide you special instructions for entering the practice prior to your office visit.
6. ALL PATIENTS WILL HAVE TO WEAR MASKS AND PRACTICE PROPER HAND HYGIENE
Some of the most basic ways in which everyone can protect themselves from a potential infection with COVID-19 is to wear a mask (or facial covering) and to practice good hand hygiene. Throughout our office in every sink there will be water, soap and hand sanitizer for all patients to use before and after their dental appointments. Remember- hand shaking is no longer recommended nor safe. We can bow instead.
7. COMMUNAL OBJECTS ARE BEING REMOVED FROM OUR OFFICE
Communal objects are things that multiple people would normally come in touch with. Examples of these can be toys, reading materials, remote controls, magazines, books fliers, brochures, etc. All of these types of objects are being removed from our office. In our waiting room, the water cooler has been removed and the garbage can is touchless now. Should you want some cold water, please ask our front desk staff to provide it to you instead.
On a regular schedule, our office will wipe all touchable surface areas with an approved surface cleaner. We will remember to include all tables, chair arms, doorknobs, light switches, hangers, and anything else with which patients in our office can come in contact with.
You can also download our PATIENT VISIT CHECKLIST so you can see and or print our instructions to make your visit a smooth one.