COVID19 UPDATE (March 16 2020)

Hello friends,

I hope this notice finds you all in optimal health.

In the midst of the growing concern about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and the urgent and strong recommendations from the Governor‘s office and the California Dental Association, we will be cancelling all elective dental treatment appointments (including all hygiene/cleaning appointments) until April 13th, and limiting appointments to those who have/need emergency treatment only. However, this is subject to change at a moments notice and we will do our best to update you as state regulations and public policies change on daily basis.

COVID19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). This occurs through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Potentially, our dental team is particularly at risk if one is working on an infected patient, because of the close contact with the patient and the risk of blood, saliva and droplet exposure.

With that being said, if an appointment is necessary, we are highly committed to making sure that we protect our patients, our employees and our work space by practicing standard universal precautions that lowers the risk of contracting or spreading the Coronavirus. We have a rigorous disinfection process for our treatment rooms and sterilization protocols for our instruments, and utilize EPA-approved disinfecting agents that are effective in eliminating the Coronavirus.

But because the risk of virus-spreading comes from “outside-in” (those who are infected coming into our community) we have changed some of our in-take procedures in order to protect our employees and visiting patients.

This may include, but is not limited to:

  • In- depth health history screening, which may include the following questions:
    • Have you traveled out of the country in the last 14 days?
    • Have you, or close family members, exhibited any “flu-like symptoms” over the last 14 days?

**If you respond “YES” to any of these questions, we may ask you to reschedule your appointment for a later date**

  • using a mouth rinse with 3% hydrogen peroxide prior to your dental treatment
  • Washing Hands or using hand sanitizers when touching all “common” surfaces, like doorknobs, counters, pens, etc.
  • Not allowing any other persons, other than patients and treating staff, in the treatment areas.

With these precautions, we are confident we are helping to limit the threat of exposure.

As a general precaution, if you are in the “high-risk” category for being medically affected by COVID19, we want to remind you that limiting your person to person contact, will help reduce your risk.

This includes:

  • Older adults
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems
  • Individuals who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
    • Heart disease
    • Diabetes
    • Lung disease (including asthma)

Likewise, we are also advising patients who are experiencing acute respiratory illness, including symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath due to any reason, to remain home.

We are absolutely aware of all the chaotic and confusing discussions regarding the risk of infection by the Coronavirus (COVID19), which causes a high degree of fear and anxiety in our community, but Dr. Francisco and our team is here to help you if you have any concerns or questions! You can reach us by email at [email protected] or via our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Glendentalofglendora

There is no higher priority than the health and well-being of our employees and patients.

Stay Safe and Healthy!

Sincerely,

Dr. Francisco and the Team at Glen Dental