Covid-19 Update

October 19, 2020

When we returned to work in May, we were lucky enough to have large windows in each patient room that we opened to enhance ventilation and air exchange in our office.  With the weather getting colder and wetter, we have opted to close our windows and install HEPA-filtration units in each of our dental rooms to keep up with the ventilation and air exchange we want.  Each of our three units purifies 350 cubic feet of air per minute.  Believe it or not, these air purification units are just a small part of everything we are doing to keep our patients and community safe.  Although it's hard to ignore these large whirring machines in our dental rooms, bear in mind that it is the not-so-glamorous things like enhanced patient screening, frequent disinfection, using rubber dam, limiting polish, effective use of our high volume suctions, and most importantly, you not coming in when you're feeling ill that does all the heavy lifting!  Thank you all for being so cooperative with our new protocols which keep us safe, our patients safe, and our office open.

August 18, 2020

Boy, we have come a long way since March.  We now have several months of operation under our belt and with every day, week, and month we grow more confident with our process, enhanced protocol and screening.  Although all these health forms can feel tedious, many of you have commented positively and have appreciated our thoroughness and diligence.  We appreciate everyone's patience in this.  It is this screening (and your honesty when filling out the forms) that keeps everyone safe.  As the case numbers rise we are reminded to stay vigilant in our social life and to be level-headed and responsible in our actions.  Many are suffering from some "covid fatigue" and are struggling with ways to cope with the stress of the pandemic.  We can definitely relate as it affects us all.  Here at the office, we are fortunate enough to be able to rely on the systems we put in place, allowing us to relax.  Because we worked so hard to develop our system and protocol with multiple check points along the way, we can now go on autopilot (somewhat) and rely on the rules to keep us safe.  Our enhanced infection control protocol, controlled patient flow, physical distancing measures, increased ventilation and strict adherence to the rules we have all agreed to follow, give us a sense of relief.  This is our new normal and we have embraced it.

As most of our patients are aware, we are seeing patients for hygiene appointments.  At this point it is still hand instrumentation only, no cavitron and no polish.  Luckily, the therapeutic value lies in the scaling and root planing.  We are very cautious as a team, so although there are some offices that are providing these services, we just have not decided to do this yet.  Where ever we can, we want to limit aerosol production.  It seems like many patients are wanting to have their maintenance appointment before our second wave, but there are still a good number of people who still prefer to wait.  If you are unsure about what is best for you, feel free to call the office and speak to us and we can work through it together.

All the best!

Dr. Pranata, Litsa, Sandy, and Holly

June 9, 2020

We are happy to announce that we will be re-opening our hygiene program next week.  There will be limited availability so we deeply appreciate your patience in our new process.  Dr. Pranata will need to review your chart to determine that your need qualifies you to take priority in scheduling a hygiene appointment during Phase II of the pandemic.  If you qualify, please book an appointment only if you are comfortable.  If you have decided that staying home is in your best interest, we support you.

At the office we have adjusted our schedule by creating hygiene-only days and times to control the flow of people and to manage social distancing. We are carefully screening each patient and limiting entry into the office in order to keep ourselves and our patients safe.  Please read below to see what else we are doing to keep our space safe.

June 1, 2020

We are excited to re-open our office after more than 2 months of temporary closure under the direction of our public health office.  Although we have always provided support to those patients with emergency dental concerns, we can now carefully provide a larger range of in-person treatment for our patients.  This is the beginning of a careful reopening as we slowly expand our range of services and availability under the guidelines of our College.  Please be patient as it will not be instantly back to “normal”.  Our hygiene program has yet to be fully reinstated.  Here are some changes we have made to ensure your safety and the safety of our staff:

1. Managing patient flow - we will be seeing fewer patients in one day in an effort to maintain physical distancing requirements and to allow for ample time for cleaning and disinfection between patients.  Only one patient will be allowed in the waiting room at one time.  Patients will be asked to phone the office when they arrive for their appointment and wait in their car or outside if they are early.
2. Limiting entry to the office - We have provided an area for delivery people to drop off our parcels and mail at the door, eliminating the need for entry.  Patients are asked to come alone, with the exception of a caretaker.  Less traffic means a safer space for all of us.
3. Enhanced screening - All staff will review their symptoms, take their temperature and make a health declaration at the start of every day.  Every single patient is screened twice before they are allowed to attend their dental appointment.  When they arrive, their temperature is taken, hands sanitized and a mask is given to them before they are allowed to enter
4. Patients are booked only after a risk assessment is conducted to ensure the suitability of dental care during Phase II.  Your medical history will be reviewed to decide whether dental treatment is in your best interest at this time.
5. Protective barriers - We have installed a plexiglass barrier to protect our reception area and we have implemented the use of more protective coverings to be placed over high traffic, difficult to clean areas.
6. Frequent disinfection - We have divided the office into different zones and have implemented a frequent, disinfection schedule for high touch areas.
7. Enhanced personal protective equipment and protocols - We have everything we need to keep us safe from you and you safe from us.  You will notice that all staff members will be in a mask and protective eyewear at all times and this is just one part of our new routine and protocol that will provide enhanced safety.
8. Increased air flow - You will notice that our windows will be open to allow for increased air circulation and ventilation
9. Join us in maintaining physical distance between one another in our office.  Please use our floor markers for guidance.
10. There will be multiple hand sanitizing stations throughout the office and it is our pleasure to advise you when and how to use them.
11. Patients will be required to rinse with a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution before dental treatment.
12. We ask that patients leave their cell phone in their pocket or bag during their appointment as they tend to collect and transfer a lot of germs.
13. If you are feeling sick, please do not come to the office.  Call us at 604-261-2220 and you will receive support and guidance from us.

Thank you again for all your support and patience during this time.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

Dr. Anna Pranata, Litsa, Sandy, and Holly