Practice Updates Regarding COVID-19
We are excited about being able to reopen and start providing care again. Many things have changed in the past few months, but our commitment to your health and safety remains the same. We know there are still concerns about potential transmission of infection. Here’s how we are managing infection control at our practice, and how you can help us keep our staff and patient family safe.
Our priority has always been your safety
Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. You’ve probably noticed how our processes have centered around ensuring both the safety and comfort of your child at each visit. We’ve been continually committed to following infection control recommendations made by science based health organizations like:
- The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- The American Dental Association (ADA)
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
We stay updated with each agency’s guidelines and rulings, to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to their recommendations. This includes the protective equipment worn by our doctors and hygienists, and our rigorous dental tool and equipment disinfection and sanitization protocols.
Now, we’ve added even more protection
In light of recent events, we’ve added additional safety measures that aren’t as visible, but will be protecting your child at their next appointment. These include:
- Germicidal ultraviolet lights (UVC)
- HEPA filters capable of capturing virus sized particles
- High vacuum suctions to reduce airborne aerosols
We have also employed a full-time environmental hygienist whose sole job is to clean and disinfect the office, common areas and all surfaces no less often than once every hour.
At your child’s next appointment:
We have new procedures that will be in place at your child’s next visit, to protect them, you, and us:
Appointment times are spaced out
There are fewer options for scheduling your child’s appointment. We are spacing appointments further apart to reduce your wait time. Since this means fewer appointments will be available each day, we are considering extending our hours. We’ll let you know when we make this decision.
We have a pre-screening questionnaire
We ask that you fill out a pre-screening questionnaire (please link to questionnaire) before your appointment. This questionnaire is available on our website, and if it isn’t completed in advance of your appointment, we will not be able to see you. You’ll be asked the same questions again when you are in the office, and be prepared for your temperature to be taken when you come in.
We are using a virtual waiting room
You can check in by text from your car, and remain in your car until we let you know to enter through the side entrance. Our lobby and reception area are closed. We aren’t offering magazines or children’s toys as these are difficult to disinfect satisfactorily. We suggest you bring books, toys, or devices to keep you and your children occupied during the short wait between check-in and your appointment.
Masks and hand sanitizer are a must
We ask that anyone entering the office wear an appropriate mask. We will present you with hand sanitizer that we will ask you and your child to use when you enter the office. Hand sanitizer will also be available for you to use in your private room, all bathrooms and consultation areas.
We are offering special financing options
We recognize that many in our patient family are now facing a different financial situation than they did 30-45 days ago. Our options include:
- The usual third-party financing available in our office through Care Credit
- In-house payment plans for dental treatment costing in excess of $300 (payments spaced over a four-month period
- An in-house dental membership plan for anyone who has lost dental insurance due to loss of a job (ask any team member for details)
We are also planning to offer a touchless option to pay your bill remotely with “SmartPay” via text, and will be updating with details shortly
You can make your child’s next appointment today
We look forward to seeing you again, and are happy to answer any questions about the steps we take to keep parents and patients safe at our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at 614-475-5439 or visit our website at www.hineslittlesmiles.com.
Thank you for being part of our Hines Little Smiles family. We value your trust and loyalty, and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends.