In order to help provide a safer atmosphere for our patients and staff, Princeton Prosthodontics and Dental Implants has implemented a few new patient protocols and office upgrades to help combat the spread of COVID-19. As we look forward to seeing our patients again, our greatest focus is on protecting our patients and our staff.
In the past several months, Princeton Prosthodontics and Dental Implants has reviewed and consulted with a number of agencies, including the ADA, the State of NJ, the CDC, and OSHA. Based on these consultations, we have purchased new equipment and modified some of our existing equipment to supplement our already strict infection control protocol to further ensure the health and safety of our patients and staff.
A few examples of this include:
- Increasing the capacity of our dental evacuation systems (suction) to reduce airborne particulates dental procedures produce by up to 98%
- A new, state-of-the-art, gaseous hydrogen peroxide air disinfecting technology in our heating and air-conditioning system. This system uses existing water (H2O) in the air and converts it to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The peroxide immediately kills 99.9% of all airborne molds, spores, bacteria and viruses. It is much more effective than other commonly used air filtration systems, including HEPA Filters and UV light.
These systems, along with the following changes have given us the confidence that we can protect you and our staff effectively. Some other adjustments to patient protocols we’ve made include:
- In addition to what our staff and doctors always wear (surgical gowns, masks, gloves and eyewear), we have added on N95 masks, face shields, surgical caps and shoe covers. There will be an ongoing ‘personal protective equipment’ fee per appointment to keep us all adequately protected per the mandated guidelines.
- To minimize your time in the office, our staff will communicate with you in advance to conduct a general health screening and assess those answers. These same questions will be asked at your appointment time.
- Our rooms are thoroughly disinfected in between procedures. The rooms are left unoccupied for 15min in between appointments to allow for full effectivity of the disinfectants, as mandated by the CDC.
- Altering the design of patient flow to allow for physical distancing. This includes reducing patient volume each day and staggering appointment times, resulting in fewer appointments per day. Please be patient and understanding with appointment scheduling, we are doing our best to accommodate your needs.
- Patients are asked to enter through the front door and wear a mask until instructed otherwise.
- All patients should come unaccompanied, unless assistance from a family member or aide is necessary.
- When you arrive in the parking lot for your appointment, text or call us and we’ll let you know when we are ready for you to come inside. Upon entering through the front door, we will take your temperature and review the answers to the prescreening questions.
- We provide hand sanitizers throughout the office for your protection.
- After your treatment is complete, please stay in your treatment room. We will come to you to complete your payment and schedule your next appointment, if needed.
- Exit the office through the back door wearing your protective mask.
If you have any questions please feel free to give us a call.