Coronavirus Update

To ensure we are the best place for you to pursue a healthy mouth, bite, and quality of life we have collaborated with colleagues and implemented new technology to help keep you safe. Upon your next visit you may see a few changes at our office. While there may be some changes, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Defending against viruses and germs is part of our daily protocol. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it’s both safe and comfortable. Prior to the COVID-19 health crisis our office strictly practices the following which exceed recommended guidelines:

• Clean and sterilize all instruments
• Regular sterilization tests are conducted by an independent party and a log is kept of results
• Staff attends annual or more often OSHA infection control classes
• Public areas are cleaned daily including hand sanitizer buttons, door knobs, and light switches
• Operatory chairs, equipment, and items you may encounter are either replaced, sterilized or disinfected between every patient.
• Water testing is done and micro-filters installed on individual dental units

New changes and procedures we have added or are in the process of implementing to ensure we continue to exceed safety requirements include

• Adding HEPA filters to rooms to reduce aerosols
• Dividers between operatories in the Rockport office
• High speed suction will be used for all aerosol procedures
• Limiting and spacing the chairs in our reception area
• We have hand sanitizer when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed
• Hand sanitizer will be used before and after use of personal protective equipment by staff

Checking in for appointments include:

• We will ask you to brush at home prior to your appointment to prevent the spread of germs at our brushing station.
• Patients asked to use hand sanitizer
• Patients will be asked to rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash

Need to reschedule if patient/family answered yes to any of these prescreening questions:

• Fever within the last 14 days
• Shortness of breath/difficulties breathing within the last 14 days
• Cough within the last 14 days
• Upset stomach, headache or fatigue within the last 14 days
• Loss of taste or smell within the last 14 days
• Patient or anyone in the household been in contact with someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 or have been asked to quarantine within the last 14 days
• Patient or anyone in the household traveled outside of the state of Maine within the last 14 days.
• Temperature is 100.4 or higher when taken at appointment