A Letter from Dr. Kane

Our communities have been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our office’s commitment to your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority in our practice. We follow recommendations and guidelines made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This allows us to make sure that our infection control procedures are up-to-date and enables us to provide the safest environment for our patients and their family members.

— Our office uses state of the art, hospital grade autoclaving procedures and machines. The instruments that can withstand extreme heat and pressure all go through this process. These machines kill all forms of bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19. If an item cannot withstand this type of extreme heat and pressure, we will only use a disposable form of this item.

— Before these instruments go through the sterilization machines they are first washed and sanitized by hand, then place in an “instrument washer” for 25 minutes. Only then are these instruments ready for the sterilization machine.

–Our dental handpieces (drills) are also first washed by hand, lubricated and flushed out and then placed into the sterilization machine.

— The sterilization procedure is verified by a sterilization integrator in addition to weekly “spore” testing by a third-party testing lab.

— Our treatment rooms are sanitized after each and every patient regardless of the procedure or how long the patient has been in the chair. Before you enter our treatment rooms all surfaces, including the dental chair, dental light, drawers, handles, x-ray units, computer and mouse, and all countertops have been cleaned and decontaminated and fresh new disposable barriers placed.

—- Our entire team washes their hands and uses hand sanitizer between each and every patient. Gloves are disposed of and fresh gloves are always used.

— All public spaces, including the bathroom and waiting area are cleaned on a daily basis

During this time, we have implemented additional safety precautions to help protect our patients and staff. Upon scheduling an appointment, a COVID-19 screening will be conducted. We will postpone treatment for any patient who has experienced or been in contact with someone who has experienced the following symptoms within 14 days of the scheduled appointment date: fever, cough, loss of taste and/or smell, flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and fatigue.

We will be scheduling appointments in a manner that promotes social distancing and allows for adequate time for us to disinfect all areas of use in between patient appointments. We ask that patients enter the office unaccompanied, if possible. For those patients who need a guardian to accompany them, we ask that this be limited to a single family member.

Every person entering the office is expected to wear a face covering.

We will confirm no fever with a contactless thermometer upon your arrival.

Clear plastic screens (sneeze guards) have been installed at the front desk to minimize exposure to airborne pathogens. Our doctor and staff will be wearing all of the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).

Thank you for being part of our family dental practice. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors, and friends

Stay Safe and Healthy

Dr. Rebekah Kane, DDS