When it comes to preventing the spread of disease, rest assured that at Orchard of Smiles Orthodontics we have always been strict on universal precautions. Precautions have always included the use of masks, glasses, gloves, sterile instruments and devices as well as clean and disinfected environmental surfaces. Additionally, we frequently clean and disinfect the commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, chairs, desks and bathrooms.

Our world has been changed in profound ways with the Covid19 pandemic. Our 'new normal' way of operating our practice has been tailored to incorporate the new directives from CDC and OSHA. Please note that during Covid19 and beyond, the safety of our patients and team members remain our top priority. With that in mind, here is what you can expect during your next orthodontic visit.

Screening Questions and Masks

In advance of your appointment, you will be provided with a questionnaire about your recent travel and signs and symptoms of Covid19 infection. These are to assess the risk of a recent exposure to the virus. In accordance with CDC guidelines, please follow infection control etiquette and plan to bring your own mask or face covering to your orthodontic appointment. Masks should be worn the entire time when you are in the office except for when you are being seen by our orthodontist or a team member clinically.

Optional Waiting Room

We modified the seating in our waiting room to accommodate social distancing of 6 feet or more between each chair. Optionally, you are welcome to call us from your car upon arrival for your appointment and wait in your car until we are ready to see you. This will help us minimize office traffic and facilitate the enforcement of the social distancing protocols.

Temperature Checks

Upon arrival, each patient will have his or her temperature taken by a staff member prior to the orthodontic appointment. Anyone with a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrengeit or higher will be asked to reschedule their appointment after the recommended 14 day waiting period. Rest assured that each of our team members will be subject to the same temperature readings and symptoms check daily. Our temperature screens will be strictly followed by patient and team members alike to safeguard everyone in the office and to minimize the potential spread of Covid19.

Social Distancing

Aside from the changes to our waiting room with social distancing in mind, you will notice that there will be fewer patients scheduled simultaneously. We are also allocating more time for each appointment in order to allow for the new Covid19 protocols necessary for both patients and staff. If possible, we would prefer if just the patient entered the clinical office area. Less people in the clinical bay will limit office traffic and reinforce the social distancing protocols. For young children, if an adult is necessary to be present for the appointment, we ask that only one parent accompany the patient (no friends or siblings please). The adult accompanying the patient will be required to complete the screening questionnaire and have a temperature check as well.

1.5% Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthrinse

Our office is following the recommendations of Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and American Dental Association (ADA) and requesting that each of our patients rinse with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide rinse for a minute prior to orthodontic treatment. Hydrogen peroxide rinse is virucidal (has virus destroying properties). By having our patients rinse with a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide rinse we are reducing the potential viral load of our patients, hence minimizing the potential risk of the spread of Covid19 virus. This is particularly relevant since many infected individuals have been shown to be completely asymptomatic.

Extra Personal Protective Equipment

We have always worn gloves, masks and eye protective equipment while servicing our patients. While seeing our team members washing their hands frequently is nothing new, you may notice us with some extra PPE (personal protective equipment) at your next office visit. You may see our team members wearing extra gear such as clinical gowns and face shields in order to offer extra protection for staff and patients alike.

Other Safety Measures

We have several other safety measures in place. For your convenience, we will have hand sanitizer readily available throughout the office. We have installed HEPA filtration systems throughout the office. We removed objects that will be challenging to disinfect such as magazines and reading material from our waiting area. Please note that the toothbrushing station is closed at this time. Please be sure to brush and floss at home in avance of your appointment. As always, we will have sterile instruments and devices as well as clean and disinfected environmental surfaces. Additionally, we will work diligently to disinfect the commonly touched surfaces such as door handles, chairs, desks and bathrooms frequently.

Please understand that we are implementing all of these changes to help ensure the safety of all of our patients and staff members amidst the 'new normal'. Thank you for being our patient. We value your loyalty and trust, and we look forward to seeing you soon. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.