Dear Friend,
I would like to update you on our practice and our efforts to address the issues that have resulted from the Covid-19 crisis. I have decided to close down the office for direct patient care from March 23st through April 3rd. During that time period, Luz and I will be working to provide phone coverage and to implement new protocols in our office that will properly address the demand that Covid-19 has placed on us.
Urgent and Emergency Care
Although no one knows what we can expect in the future, today we are able to provide you with care. Because these are uncertain times, our goal is to address treatment that will become an emergency within the next 4 to 6 month. This includes treatment which may result in the loss of function, pain, infection, or a worse condition. We want to ensure that you are healthy during the coming months as we all try to figure out where we are heading as a nation. As such, I am actively reviewing all patient records in an effort to identify patients with urgent care. We will be reaching out to you to give you the option of scheduling. We understand the fear and hesitation individuals may have to leave their home. Know that we are here to ease those concerns and to answer any questions you may have with regards to our efforts to provide a safe environment.
PPE and Protocol
As a result of Covid-19, some of our PPE and treatment protocols have changed. We hope that understanding these will provide you with a sense of peace about receiving treatment in our office. The implementation of new protocols in dentistry is not uncommon, though not often. This new demand for increased protection is no different than when the HIV/AIDS virus made a presence in the 1980’s. It is my firm belief that how we address patient care from a safety standpoint will change in dentistry as a result of all of this. As doctors, it is our responsibility to ensure that our patients are being treated using the best possible universal precautions available. We do so by implementing the use of adequate PPE and disinfection protocols that meet the demands these viruses present to us. In anticipation of these changes, we ordered new PPE weeks ago. Items are arriving every day, with the last necessary pieces arriving on April 3rd. The days of seeing dental personnel in scrubs and flimsy masks are now gone. Our new standard uniforms include N95 masks with protective coverings, latex/non-latex gloves, provider face shields, surgical gowns, surgical head caps, surgical shoe covers, fully sealed eye wear for our patients and staff, surgical napkins and surgical blankets.
Our sterilization of instruments and disinfection of hard surfaces will continue to be thorough. Our waiting room and front office areas will undergo more frequent cleanings with hospital grade disinfectants. This includes the use of Lysol spray on chairs and fabrics. Antibacterial gel and soap will continue to be made available throughout the office for your personal use. New signage is present as we have created spaces with new function. And finally, appointments will be limited to having one person in treatment at a time, for the time being. These are just a few of the many changes you’ll notice as we make a great effort to provide all of our patients with the very best care possible. Please know that I value the trust you have placed in me and I will always work hard to honor that.
Teledentistry
I am aware that some of you will either elect or not be able to come to our facility to receive treatment. I want you to know that I understand and am working to address that issue by providing Teledentistry services. In essence, this will allow you and I to speak via Skype about whatever issue you are having. It will require you to complete an online questionnaire and to schedule a time to Skype with me. Presently, we are working on completing our questionnaires, updating our website and finalizing other details. For now, we encourage you to call our office M – F between 8 am and 5 pm with any issues so that they can be addressed directly or so that we can provide you with a time to Skype with me. Know that this service is not usually covered by insurance but, in light of Covid-19, some insurance companies are providing temporary coverage. That list of companies will be posted under the Teledentistry tab that is located on our website. We will make sure to send another email with detailed instructions on how to use this service.
Finances
We understand that these days are filled with many challenges, and that financial burdens are significant for many of you. In an effort to help, we are creating new financial agreements which should not hinder your ability to receive treatment, during these times. In addition, we have arranged for longer repayment periods for those with existing balances on our accounts. These programs are here to help those of you in need. If you have special concerns, I ask that you please reach out to us to discuss them. Together, we will address your concerns and will work to try to fill those needs.
Thank you
Over the last 18 years that I have been your doctor, this place has become a second home and a place to feel welcomed in. We’ve laughed much, cried some and made many important decisions about your care here. My goal is to continue doing so for many years to come, and you are the most important part of that. I want to thank you for your trust and loyalty to our office. I hope that these detailed, though lengthy, letters will provide you with some sense of comfort during these difficult times. I will continue to send these official updates via email to all of my patients as this is our official mode of communication. I also welcome you to join us on our social media platforms to view photos and read tidbits of information that you might find useful, funny or motivating. Feel free to reach out to us at any time. We are here for you. Take care and stay safe.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Sandra Reyes, DDS