Important Information Regarding COVID-19

As the Coronavirus COVID 19 continues to evolve and to impact our community, we remain focused on the health and safety of our patients, employees and our communities. Following the directive issued by Governor Ralph Northam,  we will limit procedures or surgeries to those that if delayed or cancelled would result in the patient’s condition to worsen.

Our practice strictly adheres to and exceeds the standards for infection control by wearing personal protective gear, using hospital-grade disinfectants, practicing the latest sterilization protocols, utilizing single-use disposable materials, and more.  We have taken multiple additional steps to minimize health risks to our teammates and our patients, including the following:

  1. One day prior to upcoming visits, all patients coming into the office will be screened. If an individual or a member of the patient’s household has a cough, fever, and/or flu-like symptoms or has traveled to any areas within the past 14 days that are at high risk for contracting the coronavirus, the appointment will be rescheduled.  We will recommend that the patient contact their Primary Care Physician for medical clearance before rescheduling the appointment.
  2. The front door of our building will be blocked open during normal office hours for touch free entrance and exit.
  3. The front door of our suite will have a barrier that will be replaced upon every use and blocked open to enable touch free exit.
  4. We ask that all patients wash their hands at the beginning and at the end of each appointment.
  5. As a courtesy, we will take the temperature of every patient before beginning treatment. Any patient with an elevated temperature will be asked to gain clearance from their Primary Care Physician before resuming treatment.
  6. Appointments will be staggered to allow no more than one patient in the reception area at a time. In the unlikely event that you find yourself in the reception area with another person, please remain the recommended 6 feet social distance away.
  7. All magazines have been removed from the reception area. Please bring your own reading material or ask for the password to join our complimentary WIFI.
  8. All water cups have been removed from the reception area. If you would like a cup, a disposable one will be provided.
  9. If you would like to use the bathroom, please ask for the appropriate bathroom key. The keys have been covered by a barrier which is replaced after each use.
  10. All staff will wear masks throughout the day.
  11. All patients will be provided with disposable eye protection.
  12. In all procedures, whenever possible, a latex barrier will be used to limit potential aerosol.
  13. Patients will be asked to rinse for one minute before and after procedures with an all-natural rinse that kills harmful bacteria and viruses.
  14. An extra 15 minutes will be scheduled between patient appointments to allow for enhanced operatory (treatment room) cleaning and disinfection with a virucidal spray.
  15. We have moved to a touch-free check out procedure.
  16. If a signature is required to pay or to sign any necessary forms, a wrapped unused pen will be provided for patients to sign and take with them or discard.

Every effort we have in place is to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We are monitoring this situation very closely, and we will keep you updated regularly. Unlike schools, daycare centers, churches and other places people gather, dental offices are set-up to deal with infection control.  Our staff has had many hours of training on infection control and we are confident that we can eliminate in office transmission routes by diligent adherence to our established office infection control protocols. We are fortunate that our low volume practice model design gives us the luxury of spending whatever time is necessary to ensure safety and to provide excellent service to our patients.

We thank you in advance and extend our gratitude for your understanding, cooperation and confidence in us. Together, we can help keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible. Please feel free to call or write with any questions or concerns that you may have. You may respond to this mail or call the office directly.

Sincerely,

 Kenneth Van Stralen, DDS

Please view and share our latest COVID-19 Symptom Comparison Chart with your friends and family.

For further information, including measures to keep yourself healthy, visit the following links: