Mitigation In Our Office

Our offices have implemented a wide variety of mitigation techniques due to the threat of COVID-19.  We want to make sure you know how important your safety is to us and understand some of the measures we have taken to protect our orthodontic family.

Masks

ALL VISITORS to our office MUST WEAR A MASK to enter.

Mandates from the CDC and PA Department of Health require every person in a dental office be wearing a face mask.

Social Distancing

To allow social distancing, only the patient is permitted in the office at this time – no parents, guardians, or siblings, please.  If a child is uncomfortable walking in alone, you may escort them to the front desk for check in.  We will have your child text you when their appointment is over and we can also include information about their visit if desired.

Chairs in waiting areas will be marked off to comply with social distancing guidelines.  To avoid overflow in the waiting areas, it is extremely important that you are on time for your appointment.

Health Screenings

ALL PATIENTS will have their temperature taken with a touchless forehead thermometer, be asked to wash their hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, and use a hydrogen peroxide mouth wash before their appointment.

Sanitization

Sterilization of frequently touched surfaces such as doors, counters, sinks, bathrooms, etc. occurs at regularly scheduled intervals all day or sooner, if needed.

Germicidal disposable wipes and hydrochlorous acid are both used to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces and floors.

Air Filtration

Most people understand the concept of air filtration or have to change the filter in the HVAC unit of their home.  The use of air cleaners in rooms is another familiar and effective way to clean the air that surrounds us. 

The importance of HEPA filtration has become even more important in fighting the COVID-19 virus. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. A filter rated as HEPA means that it can remove 99.97% of airborne particles with a size of .3 microns. However, not all filters are made to HEPA standards.  Using a HEPA filter is essential to decrease airborne bacteria and viruses.

UV Lights

Science tells us that bacteria and viruses can be killed by UV light. In China, transportation lines are lit up with the glowing lights, hospitals and schools have robots roaming their halls emitting UV light, and even banks have been using UV light sterilization to disinfect their money.

HVAC Upgrades Installed

HEPA filters and UV lights can be installed directly into the existing HVAC system of any home or business. Doing so allows the air that is already being circulated through the home to easily be disinfected.

Most HVAC companies are able to implement both of these solutions.  In the video below, John, from Beaver Valley Sheet Metal in Monaca, PA provides more detailed information on HEPA filtration and UV lights in HVAC systems.