To our valued patients and families regarding Coronavirus,
We want to take this opportunity to share what Collins Children’s Dentistry is doing to protect the health of you, our patients, our dental team, and our community. Please know that the health and safety of our patients and our team is of utmost importance, and that currently, we will remain open during regular business hours.
The great news is that our dental office is already one of the cleanest, safest places you can be due to our daily practice of rigorous infection control protocols that we strictly adhere to before and after each and every patient. In addition to our standard OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety) guidelines and ‘Universal Precautions,’ our office has also implemented a plan of action that is aimed directly at both prevention and control of disease.
Screening patient questions:
- Have you or someone close to you had any contact with individuals who may have shown symptoms or respiratory illness which include, but are not limited to, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, or fever?
- Have you traveled internationally in the last 14 days?
- Have you visited or occupied any area that the government has determined to be high-risk?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, please call us at (803) 772-7302. We will work diligently to accommodate you and your schedule.
Protocols to prevent infection and reduce risk:
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that the best defense against most respiratory illnesses, including the flu and Coronavirus, is to practice preventative measures. We have added the following protocols in addition to our existing infection control procedures:
1. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Within our office, we use medical grade germicidal sprays and disinfecting wipes effective against bacterial pathogens, viruses, and all fungal pathogens.
- Our patient and common areas are being wiped down and disinfected multiples times during the day.
- Non-clinical items such as doorknobs, chair arms, writing pens, and countertops are also being disinfected frequently.
- Non-essential items, like books, toys, and magazines, have been removed from our patient areas for the time being.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
3. Upon entering and exiting, we ask that our patients be certain to use our hand-sanitizer dispensers.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
5. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
6. Cover your sneeze with tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash can. Most importantly, stay at home if you are sick.
7. If possible, please do not bring unnecessary friends or family members to your dental appointment.
Please rest assured that we will stay up-to-date as our city, state, and country release new information on the current COVID-19 recommendations for the dental profession. Our promise to you is that we will remain responsive and act accordingly. We greatly appreciate your help in accomplishing our goal of keeping our patients and our team members healthy. We are certain that together we will be able to provide both the safe environment and the quality care that you have come to expect from our practice.
Sincerely,
Dr. Collins and Staff