Hello Lloyd Orthodontic Family,
During these unprecedented times it is our sincere hope that this message finds you well and safe while we get through this challenging time together.
Based on multiple parameters, I think it is time that we best start seeing our patients, particularly now that we have a better understanding of the corona virus. Of course things will be quite different for a while as it will be necessary to make some fairly dramatic changes in our approach to seeing patients. Given that this virus is highly contagious every effort must be made to avoid the possibility of having it spread in a clinical environment. As a result of this concern the following changes will be undertaken:
1) We will be dramatically altering our patient volume seeing only two patients at a time. We request that the patients brush their teeth prior to coming to the office as the brushing station will be closed. When you arrive in the parking lot for your scheduled appointment, we ask that you call the office to check in. At that time the parent or patient will be asked a series of screening questions. Then, only the patient should enter the office, with parents and siblings remaining in their car, as the waiting room will be closed. On entering the office the patient’s temperature will be taken. They are not to touch anything as they enter and they are to proceed immediately to their assigned chair. When the appointment is completed the patient will exit the office and we will immediately call you in the car to schedule your next appointment and update the parent on any instructions regarding the appointment.
2) Front desk interaction will be placed at a very minimum; therefore you will not be able to make your payments in the office. The easiest way to address this is to set up auto pay through your bank for monthly contract payments or mail a check. If a credit card has to be used it will have to be done over the phone. You can access your account through the website or call the office and we will provide you the information you need regarding your account.
3) I know we all want to proceed with treatment but certainly not at the risk of spreading the virus to our staff and other patients. I am therefore earnestly requesting that you do not come in for treatment if you are experiencing any of the following:
- FEVER
- COUGH
- SHORTNESS OF BREATH
- CHILLS
- REPEATED SHAKING WITH CHILLS
- Any patient that has been traveling must self-quarantine for fourteen days prior to being seen in our practice.
4) Although it may seem to be a little over the top, we will be wearing full PPE (personal protective equipment). This appearance may be a little unnerving particularly with regard to the younger patients and I think it would be very beneficial to have parents prepare their children for this. It has been on the television for the last six weeks so I am sure they have all seen it but still I think they should be prepared, again particularly the younger patients.
5) One of the things that is allowing me to open up, perhaps a little earlier than others, relates to some of the things that are somewhat unique with regard to the physical aspect of my operatory. You have undoubtedly noticed that the lights and chair operations are controlled by my feet, which dramatically reduces any possibility of cross-contamination. This is not typical of most practices. My HVAC system has a high volume air exchange system that replaces the air in my office approximately every two to three hours.
6) Several years ago I devised an approach that allows for the removal of brackets and the re-bonding of brackets that does not necessitate the use of a high speed hand piece. Using hand pieces in dental/orthodontic settings results in the development of an aerosol that would certainly disperse the virus and for that reason we will not be using hand pieces in our bracket removal and replacement or with regard to the removal of the orthodontic appliances of our patients that are ready to enter into retention. This is a major “big plus” for my patients and my staff. There will be certain things I will not be able to do without the use of a hand piece and those things can be deferred and if not, then we will reschedule on a non-working day in the office as an emergency.
7) We have learned a great deal about this virus over the last several weeks. What makes it a little different than other viruses is its incredible contagion. Based on antibody serology it is now apparent that a fairly significant percentage of the population has experienced this infection with minor or no symptomatology, definitely suggesting that it is not, for the majority of patients under fifty years of age, a very virulent pathogen. Another significant positive is that it is apparent that younger patients and children are not very susceptible to this particular virus and that very few experience any significant complications associated with having the virus. This is a great finding for an orthodontic practice as it should significantly reduce the concern of parents regarding their children having orthodontic adjustment appointments, particularly given the measures that I have taken.
Given all of the above we can start seeing our patients in the relatively near future, continuing advancement of their treatment. The change in our scheduling will require extending our hours. I am going to do everything I can to minimize interaction between patients. On that note, I request that you be on time for your appointments as it will be imperative regarding the proposed scheduling. Please be aware that the restroom will only be open for emergencies.
This is going to be a significant undertaking and things are not going to be as they were for a while. Please be patient with us, we will be doing our level best to ensure your safety while allowing your orthodontic treatment to continue. Our front desk staff will be contacting you over the next several weeks to schedule your next appointment.
I have missed all of you a great deal and I am very much looking forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely,
David H. Lloyd