Infection Control Protocol

IN ADDITION TO OUR ALREADY EXEMPLARY INFECTION CONTROL PROTOCOL, WE ARE IMPLEMENTING THE FOLLOWING STEPS TO INCREASE SAFETY FOR OUR TEAM AND OUR PATIENTS (Recently Revised 05/17/2021):

• The waiting area is now open. However, for those patients who prefer to wait in their car, the option to call to check in is still available.

• Face Coverings are now optional when entering and exiting the building, and while in the waiting area.

• A brief screening may be conducted prior to the appointment. We may ask anyone who has traveled recently, has exhibited any symptoms, or feels they may have been exposed to Covid-19 to reschedule. Elderly patients or those with compromising health conditions are encouraged to make individual decision on the necessity of dental appointments weighing their personal risk and considering the advise of their healthcare professional.

• Hand sanitizer is provided throughout the office and we recommend using it before and after appointment. OraCare Mouthrinse is available which has anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial properties. (Click here for more information a/b Oracare.) Read Study showing Oracare is 99.99% effective in killing human Coronavirus.

• You will notice our staff wearing additional/ improved PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the duration of your appointment.

• Most financial transactions and scheduling can be handled in your assigned treatment room, which is thoroughly sanitized between each patient. However the option to check out at the front desk is available as well.

• Only patients with scheduled appointments will be allowed to enter the facility. One adult may accompany each minor.

• The refreshment center is open and sanitized regularly. Please enjoy a hot cup of coffee and/ or a freshly baked cookie at your own discretion.

• Any transactions/ questions that can be handled online or by phone will be. Please do not stop by the office without an appointment to handle these administrative functions.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR COMPLIANCE AND PATIENCE DURING THIS TIME!

OUR INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES ARE OUTLINED BELOW. Cook Dentistry exceeds OSHA standards for infection control.

Rest assured that our office follows/ exceeds all OSHA standards for infection control as well as the strict guidelines set out by the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Centers For Disease Control (CDC). This means that all surfaces in the appointment room, including the dental chair, dental light, and all drawers and counter tops have been cleaned and decontaminated between every patient. We may also at times cover these areas with protective covers and replace them with each new patient.  Also, “critical,” non-disposable items such as forceps, scalpels, bone chisels, scalers and surgical burs are all sterilized after each use using either pressurized steam (auto-claving), dry heat, or heat/chemical vapor. It also means that “semi-critical” dental tools that come in contact with mucous membranes, but that do not penetrate soft tissues (like mirrors and re-usable impression trays), are also sterilized in the above manner. Lastly, needles, gloves and masks, plastic suction tips and air/water sprayers are all considered single-use, and as such are disposed of as would be expected.

WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER! STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY.