Important Information Regarding COVID-19
An Update from The Practice of Dr. Ian Turner
Team Training Protocols
We take the health and safety of our patients and team members very seriously!
Our team members are continually being educated on protocols as well as our newest safety measures. This will allow us to provide optimal care in a safe environment.
- The staff has been staying updated on the newest CDC, Mass Dental Society, and American Dental Association safety guidelines.
- All clinical staff will be using the latest in protective gear (PPE).
- All staff will have their temperature and pulse oximeter readings taken at the beginning of the day prior to the arrival of any patient.
- We have limited the number of staff in the office to encourage social distancing.
- We have created a checklist for team members that includes recommendations before arrival at work, while they are caring for patients, as well as protocols at the end of the workday.
General Patient Safety
- Our scheduling of patients will take into consideration certain guidelines. These include the age and health status of patients, recent health history, as well as the presence of signs and symptoms such as fever or cough.
- We will be prioritizing older patients and patients with underlying health issues by offering them earlier morning appointments.
- We would like to avoid having patients wait in our reception area. This will be accomplished by having the patient call us when they arrive in the parking lot so that we can inform them when to enter the office for their appointment.
- If a patient is being accompanied, we will request that the accompanying person waits in the car.
- We request that all patients enter the office with a mask. If a mask is not available, please inform us and we will provide one.
- We request that all patients entering the reception area, clean their hands using the hand sanitizer dispenser upon entry.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed throughout the office as well as the reception area.
- All doors in the office will be left open so that there is no contact with handles, counters, etc.
- Discussion and processing of financials will be done in a manner that reduces the time spent in the office. This will include the option of payment for services by telephone.
Enhanced Safety Protocols During Treatment
- Dr. Turner, clinical staff, as well as hygienists will be wearing protective clothing that includes disposable gowns and hairnets, N95 masks and glasses, as well as face shields.
- Each treatment room will be equipped with a surgical-grade air cleaner. In addition, Dr. Turner and his hygienists will be working with new powerful extraoral suction units that eliminate aerosol within inches from the patient’s mouth during treatment.
- After treatment, the rooms and all equipment will undergo thorough surface disinfection with cleaning products appropriate for the elimination of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- Dr. Turner will be limiting the number of patients that are seen, to account for the extra time required to disinfect the treatment rooms between patients.
In recognition of ongoing news reports and the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, we realize our patients have questions. As dedicated health care professionals, we want you to know that we remain as diligent as ever in protecting the health and safety of our patients and staff. Our practice strictly adheres to and exceeds the standards for infection control by wearing personal protective gear, using hospital-grade disinfectants, practicing the latest sterilization protocols, utilizing single-use disposable materials, and more. Every effort we have in place is to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We want you to know that we are monitoring this situation very closely, and we will keep you updated regularly.
Symptoms of coronavirus are reported as flu-like, with varying degrees of severity. While we do not know everything about this virus to date, individuals who are elderly and/or immunocompromised appear to be the most at risk of a severe infection. To ensure your health and safety, and the health and safety of everyone at our practice, please reschedule your appointment if you or a member of your household has a cough, fever, and/or flu-like symptoms. In addition, please reschedule your appointment if you have traveled to any areas within the past 14 days that are at high risk for contracting the coronavirus.
We thank you in advance and extend our gratitude for your understanding and cooperation. Together, we can help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office, and one of our staff members will be more than happy to assist you.
Please view and share our latest COVID-19 Symptom Comparison Chart with your friends and family.
For further information, including measures to keep yourself healthy, visit the following links:- Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
- Symptoms: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html
- Steps When Sick: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html