Updated on 04/05/2023
Dear Patients—
Protecting my patients’ and my Team’s health and safety are the first and most important thing that I have worked on over these last 3 months. While infection control has been extremely important in dental practices in the past, it is now-as part of safety in our office-the most important thing we can do. Our Team is trained to follow “Universal Precautions” which are infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Massachusetts Board of Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). So as you can see, we have a lot of organizations directing what our protocols should be and just how they should work. To complicate matters just a bit, these guidelines and regulations are dynamic-meaning that they are changed and updated quite frequently right now.
To make this all happen we have done things that are not mandated, but added together provide a much safer office, so that you all and our Team feel comfortable and we can get on with providing exceptional dental health care to you, our patients.
While not all inclusive, this list will serve to highlight the updates. You can expect more changes as we learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 infection. Here’s the list:
- MERV-8 filters in our HVAC system
- Air Filtration/Purification systems with HEPA (MERV-13), activated charcoal & high capacity filters
- MedEVAC Aerosol Filtration System that removes aerosols from close to your face (on order & due soon)
- Dry-Shield new separate enhanced high volume suction for saliva and aerosol removal in the mouth
- All new tubing for treatment room suction lines
- Sterisil Straw-Dental Waterline Microbiological Cartridge for further treatment of the lines we run our distilled water through for patient treatment
- New anti-bacterial treated fabric in scrub uniforms for all Team members
- New easily disinfected shoes for entire Team
- Protective gowns over top of scrubs
- Face shields
- Completely paperless office
- No touch Credit Card processing
- New confirmation procedure-we will inquire about COVID-19 symptoms or potential exposure.
- Reduced seating in the Reception Area
- Must bring your MASKS. Masks REQUIRED, questions asked and TouchFree Temperature available at Front Desk. If Temperature of anyone is 100.4ºF or over your appointment will be rescheduled.
- Any Payments or Insurance Co-Payments that are due at the time of service will be handled electronically. We can even do that through your cell phone.
Please be aware that there is a lot of time built in to appointments currently. As we continue to work in this new environment, more appointments will be made available. Remember please, Safety First, that is our continuing & ongoing plan. We appreciate your patience as we keep this ship moving. Thank you so much for your loyalty to our practice. Our Team and I look forward to seeing you all.
Sincerely and For Your Health,
Chendi Xu, BS, MS, DMD, MPH & Murray Johnson, DMD, MS
