This is not a new normal, but a new starting point.
Recently and out of concern, I have had many of you ask about our practice, so I wanted to reach out to update you. Early in the pandemic, I took it upon myself to do what every business owner should have done and that is to create a firmer foundation on which to stand on. Our doors have remained open from the very beginning, while following all legal mandates. The commitment of team members such as Luz Nunez, our practice coordinator, Tabitha Nedei, our Lead Assistant, and Luz Aviles, our hygienist, has allowed our practice to continue on with higher levels of care than ever before. Not only is our OSHA protocol stricter but the level and quality of care we provide has not suffered nor been compromised in any way. Our efficiency has improved with new systems and protocol and I look forward to many more positive changes to come.
The economy that has resulted from the decisions made as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has positively affected some business, while negatively affecting others. We are not an exception to those changes. The American Dental Association recently declared that the dental profession has reached it’s “new normal” in terms of what we will see in our practices. This is a result of approximately 30% of patients not returning until there is a vaccine or the pandemic is over. The reality is that these patients may stay away for a fairly long time. A “new normal” implies that what we are seeing now is something we must get accustomed to. In my opinion, dentistry’s new normal is simply a different starting point for our practice and not a long-term phenomenon that we will accept. I have been in practice for 18 years and the only thing that has never happened is my business staying at a standstill. Through hard work and commitment, it survived the 2008-2009 recession when hundreds of other dental practices failed each year and I am confident that it will survive this one as well.
These days, we continue to practice with a similar flow as before. The only difference is that we now provide treatment only 3 days per week, instead of 4, but it has proven to be a positive change. This change alone has allowed us to care for our practice in better ways throughout all levels. As patients return, we will make the necessary changes in our schedule to accommodate the increased demand for patient hours. For now, we will continue to provide treatment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am to 5pm. Having said that, please know that we have also made Tuesday and Thursday mornings available to our high-risk patients, if they deem it necessary for their health.
I want to emphasize that I value and respect the decision that many of our patients are making with regards to their decision to quarantine and socially distance. I judge no one in their decisions as it relates to this pandemic and their health. You know better than anyone else, what is best given your individual circumstances. Instead, I support your decision and will continue to make myself available to you whenever you decide to return. Please remember that we are available via video conferencing or phone to address any issues. We have taken many measures to keep you safe. I have addressed these in earlier letters but for those who are not aware of them, we have listed them on our website. Know that our office is a place where you can feel safe to receive care, no different than you did prior to this pandemic. We may look and function a bit different, but have upheld the quality of care we provide.
And, now, we move forward. As a team, we are committed to the welfare of this practice and to you. If you are reading this, I am confident that you value the care that you continue to receive from our practice. Because of that, I ask you to consider helping us by referring your friends, families and co-workers to us. Recessions are times when small and local businesses must be supported more than ever. New patients, customers and clients are the lifeblood of any business. I ask that you not only continue to support our efforts but those of all small businesses in our community. We encourage you to continue posting your positive reviews which only serve to improve the likelihood of patients coming to our practice. Many of you have found us online via Google, Facebook and Yelp. We ask that you share the great news of having found a family, cosmetic and restorative dentist that you love!
As always, thank you for your trust in our practice but, most especially, in me. I treasure every life moment we share, as well as every great conversation and laughter. Follow us on social media for the latest updates. You all remain in my prayers for a safe and wonderful future.
Take care and be blessed,
Dr. Sandra Garza Reyes