We appreciate the trust placed in our doctors and support staff and would like to inform our patients on how we plan to address the Covid-19 crisis moving forward, as we begin to see patients on a regular basis. As always, and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are taking every CDC, OSHA, and ADA recommended precaution to thoroughly sanitize all operatory and front office surfaces between patients. We are frequently disinfecting our reception/lobby throughout the day and have removed all reading and non-essential materials to avoid unnecessary contamination. We are also requesting patients take advantage of online forms and consents, to avoid transferring of documents once in office.
As a tenant of a high rise in downtown, we want our patients to know what precautions and extra steps are being taken within Fifth Third as well. We have been assured that additional cleaning and disinfecting services are being provided to all common areas (downstairs lobby, elevators and buttons, restrooms and door handles, hallways and surfaces, café area and tables, etc.). Fifth Third has taken steps to reduce foot traffic during business hours, by eliminating unnecessary vendors and asking staff to work remotely when possible. We will be notified of any confirmed case of Covid-19 within our building. These proactive steps should help reduce the vulnerability of others.
We wish to ensure that our patients receive the utmost and safest care. With that being said, we ask our patients to please call us prior to the reservation if a cough, fever, or any signs of illness are present. We ask those feeling ill, not to enter the office for any reason without direct instructions as to how we plan to care for them. Please call and speak to a team member for special instructions concerning of those infected with Covid-19.
We will continue to follow the CDC recommendation of taking patients' temperatures and asking screening questions 24+ hours in advance as well as, upon arrival. If you prefer to avoid our reception/lobby area altogether, you can text/call us when you are parked and we will text/call you when we are ready to escort you directly to the operatory for treatment. We encourage our patients and staff to stay current with recommendations from the CDC on social distancing and surface interactions. We are continuing to take universal precautions, following all recommended guidance, and continuously updating our policies and procedures for this “new normal”.
The Ferrara Dental Team will continue to promote a healthy, hygienic environment for our staff, patients, and community by following proper handwashing techniques, using alcohol based hand sanitizer, installing sneeze guards at reception, practicing social distancing, placing air filtration systems, and excessive surface cleaning throughout the practice. A pre-treatment rinse will also be offered for each visit, to reduce oral bacteria during dental procedures.
We are promoting patient use of hand sanitizer upon entrance and exit, located in our reception/lobby area. We ask that patients avoid bringing any guests to their visit, arriving alone for treatment and biannual care. To reduce the spread of bacteria, please leave children at home for now. Staff will no longer be able to aid in childcare during visits and leaving them unattended in the lobby is too big of a risk at this point.
