To our valued patients:
As 2020 comes to a close, we wanted to share an update on the status of our practice and the technology and protocols
we have implemented for the safety of patients and staff.
We also wanted to remind our patients to consider using any 2020 dental insurance benefits you may have
remaining before the end of the year. From cleanings to cavity fillings, or even getting started on more complicated dental
work, we can help you maximize the dental care you are still eligible to receive based on your coverage.
Since the Governor of Ohio permitted dental practices to fully reopen on May 1st, we have proceeded with normal operations,
and have maintained the highest level of infection control. Our staff has remained healthy, and no cases have been traced
to our office.
As you may remember, the office became a MicroShield 360 Certified Facility prior to re-opening in the spring.
MicroShield 360 is an anti-microbial coating system that creates a preventative surface that protects treated areas from
germs, bacteria, and pathogens for a period of one year. It is EPA registered and FDA approved, and will neutralize
Covid-19 if the virus contacts the treated surface.
Electrostatically applied antimicrobial/disinfectant
We are now applying two additional disinfectants with an electrostatic sprayer.
One type, similar to Microshield 360, is applied monthly to all surfaces, to renew the coating in areas and on objects that
are touched frequently. The entire office is also electrostatically sprayed weekly with a second solution, a hospital-grade
antiseptic/disinfectant. This is in addition to our normal sanitization of the reception and treatment rooms that happens
continually throughout every day.
Negative air pressure system in the treatment area
Negative pressure air systems have been
added to treatment rooms, giving us the ability to replace air within the entire office with fresh outside air,
at a maximum rate of 9.6 air changes with outdoor air per hour. This is more than
3 times the amount of fresh air required in hospital operating rooms.
Additional suction helps to evacuate the area around the patient
Appointment Procedure
We are continuing the protocols previously set in place to protect our patients and staff:
- When you arrive, come to the office at your appointment time (not early). The staff will have your treatment
room ready so we can bring you back with little to no wait.
- As mandated by the State of Ohio, patients must arrive wearing a mask. Wearing a mask provides protection
for you and others while in the lobby of the building, the community elevator, and hallways. If you don’t have a mask,
one will be provided.
- We will conduct pre-screening upon your arrival. A form confirming you are symptom-free needs to be reviewed
and signed at each visit. This form is retained in your dental record. Pre-screening includes a temperature check with a
touchless forehead thermometer, and use of a pulse oximeter to check oxygen levels. Sanitizer is available for your use
throughout the office.
- We ask that patients enter the office on their own, unless the patient is under 18 years old, or the patient
needs extra assistance by a caregiver.
- Our schedule for elective dental care is consistently booked, so we urge you to make every effort to keep your appointment
time. If you must cancel, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours notice to avoid a missed appointment fee.
We will continue to upgrade our practices to provide the safest possible environment for our patients and staff. If there are
any questions you have regarding our technology or safety protocols, we would be more than happy to discuss them with you.
Stay safe and have happy, HEALTHY holidays! Please call us anytime, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Colleen G. Vienna, DDS and Staff