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In the event the nation does go into another shutdown in the future, India Hook Dental Care is aligning with the ADA stance towards the pandemic to ensure we can be available for all of our patients with emergency services no matter the situation.
ADA Board Adopts New Ad Interim Policy on Dentistry as Essential Health Care
Hello Fellow Dentists,
The American Dental Association’s Board of Trustees has adopted an ad interim policy stating dentistry is essential health care to help guide advocacy for the dental profession during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The substance of this ad interim policy was developed by the Council on Dental Practice, and the House of Delegates will consider it as a resolution during its virtual meeting in October.
So why adopt an ad interim policy now?
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in many states, governors may consider rolling back to an earlier “stage” in their COVID-19 response strategy. If that happens, there may be a risk that dental practices will be told to perform only emergency or urgent procedures.
The ADA Board and I believe this would do a disservice to the public.
The ad interim policy states oral health is an integral component of systemic health and dentistry is an essential health care service because of its role in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing and treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health.
Whether it is the current pandemic, a future epidemic or a natural disaster in a particular area, this ad interim policy will anchor our advocacy efforts to keep dental practices open so people can continue to access the full range of dental services.
In a recent interview posted on the TODAY show’s website, I was quoted as saying, “Many times people do not comprehend that teeth are attached to the body, to the bone and head, and that it is as important to take care of their teeth as their organs.”
If states start considering roll backs, we must advocate and help decision makers understand —Dentistry is Essential Health Care!
You can read more about our new ad interim policy in this ADA News story.
Chad P. Gehani, DDS
President
India Hook Dental’s Update To Coronavirus
Updated May 21st, 2020
We are excited to announce that Tuesday, May 26th we will return to comprehensive patient care with our full staff and newly implement safety protocols for the protection of our patients and staff. We will continue to keep apprised with the latest updates but we have made a lot of changes not only as a result of the new guidelines but also because we see this as an opportunity to continually improve how we do things.
We continue to take every precaution in response to COVID-19 and are striving to be at the forefront of the safety measures put in place by dental practices. We want our patients to feel comfortable and confident with every encounter with us! We are relying heavily on our technological resources and encourage our patients to have an open mind as we all move forward in ways that will benefit us all.
New procedures:
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- patients are encouraged to wear masks while in our office
- We will take your temperature and ask new screening questions upon arrival
- Curbside waiting room (in-office waiting room presently closed)
- Enforced guardian limit only when medically necessary (no extra family can come in with patient)
- Click HERE to see a video walkthrough of the new COVID-19 steps when visiting the practice
Current patient care hours:
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- Mondays: 9am-4pm
- Tuesdays: 9am-4pm
- Wednesdays: 9am-4pm
- Thursdays: 9am-4pm
- Fridays: by appt only 8am-3pm
- Saturdays: by appt only 8am-12pm
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Updated March 26th, 2020
Dear Patients, Visitors, Family & Friends
Though we are taking extreme precautions to mitigate any risks of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 for our patients and staff, we have still received many questions and wished to proactively address how we are responding. As of this writing:
- We are still partially open for business at our physical office location.
- In an effort to do our part, for the next few weeks, we are limiting treatment to “emergency and essential services”. This includes bleeding, swelling, severe pain or trauma.
- The office will be open during reduced hours, by appointment only. We are aiming for 9am-1pm M-T, but this is apt to change depending upon the situation each day.
- If we have spoken with you and confirmed a scheduled emergency procedure, call upon arrival since the doors will be locked for your safety and ours.
- We have implemented the CDC guidelines of ‘social distancing’ and zero-touch in-person meetings.
- Business personnel have been busy with extra cleanings of the office and other high-touch areas.
- We will immediately implement any new CDC guidelines as this pandemic unfolds.
There are simple things the CDC recommends you do to help keep yourself and others healthy while visiting our location:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
We will continue to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and make every attempt to keep you informed. Emergency notifications to staff and patients will be conducted through our emergency communication channels including text notifications, telephone calls, and communicated directly to customers.
For updated information on this rapidly changing situation, please visit the CDC website here: http://bit.ly/39TQIyg
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