We understand there’s a lot of uncertainty about what is safe and what is not in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though it’s still an ongoing situation, it’s considered safe for you to visit your dentist for routine patient care. The American Dental Association has advised dental offices on steps and precautions to take to help protect patients and staff. Here at Michael Fernandez Family Dentistry, we’re taking extra steps to keep you safe, too. Here are a few of our new protocols and office enhancements amidst the pandemic:

• We take your health seriously. In addition to every member of our team wearing a mask at all times, all of our staff members directly involved in patient care will be wearing face shields and gowns when appropriate.
• We’re screening our staff and our visitors. In addition to screening staff daily for symptoms, we’re also screening patients prior to all appointments. This screening protocol will include a brief questionnaire, as well as taking patient temperatures in an effort to identify any potential risk for transmitting COVID-19.
• We’re purifying the air and routinely disinfecting the office. We recently had in-duct air purifiers installed in the office, both of which purify every cubic inch of air that our central air conditioning system reaches. We’re also taking extra precautions with cleaning our reception areas by wiping down all surfaces with approved cleaners. We’ve also removed magazines and the coffee machine to cut down on shared surfaces.
• We’ve staggered appointment times. In an effort to limit the number of patients in our office at a time, we’re staggering appointment times.

In addition to the steps we’re taking to keep you safe, there are a few things you can do to help us, too. Please do the following to ensure the safety of all of our team members and fellow patients:

1. Reschedule your appointment if you aren’t feeling well. If you think you may be getting sick, please reschedule your appointment. Late cancellation fees will be waived if you are canceling due to sickness.
2. Follow our new check-in procedures. We’re implementing a new check-in procedure to limit interaction. We will call you over the phone to check you into your appointment and we will text you when the dentist is ready to see you. When you arrive, you can call our office at 757-497-4825 or text our office at 859-600-0840 to let us know you’re in the parking lot.
3. Wear a mask. If possible, please wear a mask for your appointment. Anyone who accompanies you to your appointment will also need to wear a mask, though we encourage you to limit the number of guests you bring with you.
4. Use hand sanitizer. Please apply the hand sanitizer that is available to you when you enter the office.

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We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we are taking to keep you safe in our practice. We value your trust and we look forward to seeing you at your next appointment with us!