We want you to know that the entire team at Heather J. Petroff, DDS has been working to ensure that both your health and safety are our top priority. Now, more than ever, we want to reassure you that we never compromise when it comes to your oral and overall health. We’re doing everything we possibly can to make sure you and your family feel safe, comfortable, and protected when you come to our family dental office in Broadview Heights.
Learn About Our New Pre-Screening Measures
When we call to confirm your appointment with us, we will be asking you some important health questions via our pre-appointment questionnaire. (Please note that we will be asking you these same questions on the day of your appointment.) We will review office policy changes, including asking all patients to wear masks in the office and have their temperature recorded upon arrival. We will spend as much time as you need to go over what you can expect at your appointment.
When you arrive at the office for your treatment, we ask that you please wait in your car and call us to let us know you’re in the parking lot. One of our dental team members will escort you from your car into the office. From there, you’ll have your temperature checked and complete another pre-screening set of health questions. We also ask that you sign a consent form.
Updated Sterilization and Disinfection Measures
Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, our dental office was already practicing stringent infection control protocols. Now, in addition to scheduling longer appointments for added safety measures, we’ll also be having a post-procedure disinfection spray in each treatment room. We’ve also invested in installing HEPA air purifiers/filters with UV light for every single one of our operatories. We also have one installed in our common area.
Dr. Petroff is having a new suction system installed to reduce aerosols being released into the air. You’ll be happy to know she’s already ahead of the curve, with the use of her Solea Laser. This advanced dental tool creates much less aerosol particles than a traditional dentist’s handpiece.
When a procedure is complete, anything that’s disposable will be removed, and every single surface will be wiped down twice before each room is sprayed with a special disinfectant. As always, our instruments are placed in an ultrasonic cleaner followed by the autoclave for efficient sterilization. You’ll see that our clinical team will be wearing new masks, face shields, protective gowns, and caps during your treatment. Our office administrator will also be wearing a mask and face shield.
Your Safety and Smile Mean so Much
As we transition into this new normal, please know we are excited to see each and every one of you! We’re looking forward to caring for you again, whether you’re coming for a hygiene appointment or dental treatment. Please know we’re scheduling longer appointments and encouraging you to complete more treatment at once to reduce your office visits. We’ll be staggering patient visits for a more even office flow. As per the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association, and the Ohio Dental Association, we will also adhere to the following:
- Special care will be taken for high risk or immunocompromised patients.
- To follow social distancing guidelines, there will be no one in our waiting room.
- Only those patients who are actually scheduled in the office will be escorted in.
- Patients should come alone for appointments (except when necessary for interpreters, guardians of minors, and others needing assistance).
- We will be staggering or limiting arrivals and dismissals of patients. We may be asking you to check out over the phone.
- In most cases, a pre-procedure mouth rinse will be used.
- Our Team members will complete a daily symptom and temperature assessment prior to opening and again at closing.
- We will continue disinfecting all treatment and common areas.
As things continue to change, these regulations may have to be updated. Please know that no matter what, our entire team at our dental office in Broadview Heights will be providing professional, personal, high-quality care to you and your family.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during these trying times. If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming appointment, please feel free to reach out to us online or by phone at 440-838-4480.