To all of our Columbia Smiles patients,
As we are all facing concerns regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) affecting the health of our world and our community, we wanted to provide legitimate links and information to access. As our goals have always centered on patient and team safety, including strict adherence to standard infection control precaution guidelines, we will continue to provide you, your families, and our community with that same commitment and pledge!
Our office has always followed the recommended regulations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which delivers important and up-to-date information to the public and healthcare providers.
The following information (based upon and obtained from the CDC) is to reassure you of our awareness and dedication toward not only your oral healthcare needs, but also our responsibility as educators and providers of care toward your overall health:
Prevention of Suspected Respiratory Disease Transmission in the Dental Healthcare Setting
Since recommendations may change as additional information becomes available always check the CDC website for COVID-19 updates
- We ask that if you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms which include sneezing, coughing, and fever to kindly call to reschedule your appointment 410.730.7485
- We will identify patients with a suspected acute respiratory illness at check-in and encourage them to immediately seek their physician for full evaluation
- We strictly adhere to educate all our patients about respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette infection control measures at the first point of contact with any potentially infected person:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm
- We provide our patients with alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the reception area as well as throughout the clinic
- All of our dental healthcare team members wear disposable level III facemasks, gloves, gown, and eye protection to prevent exposure during treatment
- We perform hand hygiene protocols before, during, and after all treatment (e.g., hand washing with antimicrobial soap and water, alcohol-based hand rub, or antiseptic hand wash)
- We follow the guidance provided in the “Interim Guidance for the Use of Masks to Control Seasonal Influenza Virus Transmission” which has been recommended at this time:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/maskguidance.htm
- We perform sterilization and disinfection strategies daily
- This strategy is used to combat influenzas, transfer of infectious bacteria, and is applied to the environmental management for COVID-19
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/gl_environinfection.html
Also recommended is a review of Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm
This is an evolving situation and we want to assure you we will continue to modify our precautions whenever CDC updates its guidance and information as it becomes available.
We reaffirm our commitment to your care and encourage you to call our office if you have any questions!
