Health and Safety of Our Patients and Dental Team
Dear Valued Patients,
We are excited to announce, that based on the guidance our our state authorities, we are now seeing patients for complete dental services. We know that many of you have been eagerly waiting to have your appointments rescheduled; and, we appreciate your patience, loyalty and understanding during these unprecedented times. The safety of our patients, staff and doctors is our #1 priority, and we have been busy planning and implementing increased protocols recommended by the CDC, IDPH, and the American Dental Association. We want to update you on the additional measures we are undertaking to keep all of us safe and healthy.
We are seeing all types of patients that have passed a rigorous health screening questionaire, including symptoms of COVID-19. If you have been in contact with anyone that has tested positive for COVID-19, we ask that you delay scheduling your appointment with us for 3-4 weeks.
All patients will be required to wear a mask at all times in our office, except during treatment. Our entire team will be wearing masks and will eliminate handshakes for your safety. This is a difficult adjustment for all of us, including the awarkdness that is associated with not being able to greet you with a smile and a handshake. What we have found is positives during these times; the strength that comes from working together to overcome any obstacles, the love of our family and friends, and the ability to accept change and to move forward.
We will continue to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. In an effort to minimize prolonged exposure in our office, our procedures have changed. We ask that all patients call when they arrive. You will be asked pertinent medical questions, and will be asked to remain in your car until we are ready to bring you into the building. Our door is locked, and will be opened by one of our staff members. We ask that you use hand sanitizer when you enter, and when you leave. Any paperwork/insurance cards will be given to the front desk and you will be taken directly to the treatment room. We also ask that patients be the only ones in our office, with the exception of essential visitor
At River Grove Dental Associates, the health and safety of our patients and dental team are our top priority; it has been since we opened 37 years ago. Regarding infection control and office disinfection, dental offices are the experts and have been at it for decades. Literally, outside of your own home we are the safest place to be, and we will continue to provide you with the utmost respect, trust, and cleanliness. Amid the growing concerns around this virus, we are taking additional steps to be extra vigilant.
Our daily cleaning procedures are already very thorough, however, given the current situation, we are elevating our current disinfecting practices to keep our office a safe and welcome space for everyone. These additional measures include increasing the frequency of cleaning our reception area and treatment rooms, as well as our bathroom. Antiviral cleaning solutions are being used and daily deep cleaning of all our common area is taking place.
Lastly, we have changed our schedules to minimize office congestion, and have added hours of service to accomodate all our patients. We are convinced that despite these trying times, we will strive to make your experience at RGDA safer and you will all be better served .
We encourage our patients and staff to follow these best practices to help keep yourself and others healthy:
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after using the restroom and sneezing or coughing
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands,
Consider staying home if you feel unwell.
We will be using the following procedures for all patients:
When you enter our facility, please use the hand wipes provided or wash your hands in our bathroom.
You will be asked to rinse prior to any procedure you are having in our office.
You may also rinse when you are done.
Understand that, together we are stronger and will get through this. These have become trying times for us all.
Please be reassured that we are here for you!
-Dr. Greg and the Staff at River Grove Dental Associates.