To our Wonderful Lakeside Familes,
As we get closer to our potential reopening of May 29th, we are continuing to make changes to our office procedures and to our facility to be in compliance with the CDC, OSHA, and ADA mandates, which are frequently changing. Dentistry presents some unique challenges that are not present in other facets of healthcare. Not only do we work very near to the airway, but our dental handpieces and air syringes create aerosols that can stay present in the air for several minutes. For this reason, dentistry is required to make changes in personal protective equipment (PPE) beyond normal healthcare professions. Please make sure your children are ready to see all of us donned in unfamiliar and potentially scary new gear. We will be wearing the following PPE during dental procedures:
– A n95, kn95, or level 3 surgical mask
– A disposable surgical gown
– A disposable face shield
– Protective glasses
– Surgical hair bonnet
We have been working relentlessly to acquire the PPE necessary to protect our patients and staff, however, due to supply and demand, our quantities are limited. We will be working to accomodate those patients with urgent treatment needs that have been delayed first, and our capacity for seeing patients is less than it was, in an effort to maintain social distancing. We appreciate your patience as we work to adjust our schedule; rest assured we are doing our absolute best to get you an appointment in a reasonable timeframe.
Also, in accordance with our governing agencies and for your protection, we have made multiple procedural changes. We can only have one person accompanying your child into the building. It is still okay for multiple children to have an appointment on the same day, but please only bring the children that have appointments. Appointments will be more spaced out to allow time for people to clear the building before others arrive and to allow time for proper disinfecting of the operatory and check out area. You will also notice new partitions at our check our desk. In addition, we are evaluating options to upgrade our HVAC system to provide the safest possible environment for you and your family.
Please be patient with us as we continue to navigate these ever-changing requirements. We have missed our patients and look forward to once again, or for the first time, having to privilege to care for your child.
Dr. Phil & The Lakeside Team
