Are you delaying your dental visit because of COVID?

 3 Keys to Optimal Oral Health

Dentistry has always kept you safe, and always will. During this time, Dr. Kitzmiller will remain focused on your overall health and well-being. 

Consider these keys to finding comfort:  

• #1 Protective Equipment to Keep You Safe  
• #2 Avoid Pain and Complications  
• #3 Maximize Your Oral Health Care & Minimize Your Time at the Dentist  
  

    

Are you delaying your dental visit because of COVID? 

Please read these important questions below:

Question 1:

How important is maintaining my oral health?

The health of your teeth and mouth are integral to your overall physiology and well-being. From a clinical perspective, early treatment is always best. Putting off discomfort with a tooth, or any concern about your oral health, is more time-consuming and costly in the long run.

Question 2:

What safety measures are in place in the dental practice?

In addition to the strict guidelines we have always followed in operatories, we are paying close attention to office areas where social distancing is essential, like reception areas, administrative counters and restrooms, which are closely monitored and disinfected throughout the day. From the regular hygiene appointments you missed during the shutdowns, to more complex procedures that have you a bit concerned, we have your back - because we are all part of the same effort to keep our communities healthy. Examples of safety equipment enhancements:

• Minimized aerosols
• Face shields
• Top-of-the-line masks (N-95) 

Question 3:

How do I minimize my time at the dentist but maximize my oral health?

To minimize your time at the dentist, you want to work with your dental team to understand how you can group parts of your treatment together so that you can spend less time in the dental chair yet maximize the benefits of treatment. Doing this will minimize the trips to and from the office as well as the amount of time you spend in the chair. Ask your dental team how.

Question 4:

Can you make this affordable for me?

Dr. Kitzmiller is prepared to provide you with options for consolidating treatment into as few visits as possible, in addition to financial arrangements that you're comfortable with. Just ask them how they can help! Insurance benefits for 2020 will NOT carry over into 2021. Don't let them go to waste!

 

Question 5:

I fall in the COVID-19 at-risk category. How do you make sure I am safe and healthy?

If you,re 65 or older, or suffer from pre-existing conditions, it's crucial to limit your exposure. We recommend working with your dental team to address treatment in the safest and most efficient manner possible. We have times set aside for you!

At Apex Dental Group, our mission is to help our patients achieve the “Great Dentistry” that they desire.

 

 

 

Apex Dental Group Opening Monday, 5/18/20

 

13 May 2020

Dear Apex Dental Group Family,

We want you to know that we are here for you!

As we continue to face uncertainty as a community due to COVID-19 and the social distancing guidelines passed down from federal, state, and local leadership, our team at Apex Dental Group realize the continued importance of strong and on-going relationships.

We missed you greatly and are excited to announce that our practice will be opening as of Monday, May 18th, 2020 to provide a wider spectrum of dental care. We are ready with a new schedule in place that ensures the safety and comfort for both team and patients, as we return to full care and service. Our team is now reaching out to patients who have had to cancel their appointments due to the shut down as well as patients who are currently scheduled in the up-coming months. Our new scheduling options are designed to address individual oral healthcare needs and maintain a safe and sterile environment.

• Each day all our team members check their temperatures.
• Our front desk team members are equipped with masks and ample hand sanitizer to ensure both your safety and their own. Providers will also wear facial shields, hair cover and additional personal protective equipment (PPE) during treatment.
• To minimize the number of people in our practice at any given time, we created space between appointment times to ensure that we maintain optimal standard precautions.
• We will not have anyone waiting in our waiting area at this time. We ask that you call us at 919-362-1341 when you arrive and wait for us to escort you into our facility. Expect that our team members will:

• Review again our COVID-19 screening questionnaire and update your medical history
• Meet you at your car and take and record your temperature before you exit your car
• Ask you to wear a mask or face covering and sanitize your hands when you enter our facility
• Ask you to rinse with hydrogen peroxide-based mouth wash before and after treatment

• We will limit treatments that produce a high degree of aerosols:

• We will hand scale and reserve ultrasonic instrumentation only when indicated, using a high-volume evacuation system to collect aerosols.
• No polishing unless severe staining to reduce aerosol.

• We will continue to disinfect and sterilize our workspaces, equipment, and instruments, according to our high standard infection and sterilization protocol.
• Our front desk team members will disinfect our checkout areas.

We also know that during these unprecedented times obstacles like additional time off from work and financial concerns can be barriers to ideal care. To meet your needs, we developed new finance options, same day dentistry solutions, and extended hours to make sure dentistry remains affordable with minimal time expended for all those in need.

Rest assured, we at Apex Dental Group always place the health and well-being of patients and our team first. We will continue to reach out and update you on a regular basis through various forms of contact. Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at our website (www.apexdentalgroup.com) for up to date information as well as tips and resources on how to maintain your oral hygiene at home during these times.

We look forward to seeing you all again and catching up with you at your next appointment.

 
Stay Healthy

Dr. J. Kitzmiller, III

Keeping Safe & Healthy at Apex Dental Group - Opening Soon!

Dear Apex Dental Group Family,

Our vision is to partner with patients with the goal of achieving long-term oral and overall health for all those we are honored to serve. In light of the current novel coronavirus/COVID-19 concerns affecting us in the US and abroad, we want to take this opportunity to update you on the precautions we are, and have always taken at our office to ensure your (and our) health, safety, and wellbeing. We are currently developing plans to reopen in order to keep your dental health at its best.

As you know, we will always continue employ the most up-to-date infection control procedures and our record proves that this works well! You can rest reassured that the infection control and standard precautions recommended by the CDC and OSHA are excellent deterrents to COVID-19, the flu and every other virus. In addition to the routine steps we take, we are being even more vigilant with infection control in all the areas in the office. Surfaces in the reception area, front desk area, consultation area and restroom(s), which would normally be cleaned and disinfected daily, are now being disinfected throughout the day. Hand sanitizer is readily available in all areas of the practice for your use if you forget yours.

Over the next few weeks, we will be re-arranging our schedule to provide adequate social distancing, time and safety for your visit. It is in your best interest to continue your routine dental care because regardless of the circumstances, dentistry only becomes more complex, more costly and lengthy. Since your oral health is connected to your systemic health, it’s more important than ever to be vigilant with your dental care.

We are offering new appointment times for at risk / healthy patients, adding new financial options and updating policies and procedures that are designed to get you optimal, safe care. As we move closer to our opening date, we will keep you informed on the safety procedures to follow when coming to our office. Emergencies are still being seen through a Zoom tele-dentistry appointment. Please call our office if you need emergent care so we can find the appropriate treatment for you.

We also ask for your help in keeping everyone safe. If you have traveled to China, Japan, South Korea, Italy, Iran, or any other region affected by the coronavirus, please call our office prior to coming in for your appointment. Washing your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is of utmost importance. If you are not feeling well, have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please contact your physician and call our office to reschedule any upcoming appointments. Our team (who are also being diligent about their own health) will be available prior to your next visit to make sure you are well and to answer any questions or concerns. If you are not well, we will help you cancel the current appointment with no fee and make sure that we have a future appointment scheduled so you can stay on track with your care!

During this confusing and stressful time, staying healthy helps you fight off any challenge! Know that we take our role as your healthcare partner very seriously and are here to help! Should you have questions or concerns please e-mail or call me. I’m always available for you. For the latest information and guidance, please refer to the CDC’s COVID-19 situation, the Department of Public Health, or the ADA websites.

Call us now to get back on track with your dental health! If someone that you know is looking for a caring dental team, please refer them to us. Stay safe and healthy—we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Dr John S Kitzmiller III

Infection Control

Dear Patient,

We want to take another opportunity to update you on the precautions we have always taken at our office to ensure your health and ours.  

Dentistry has always been greatly invested in infection control procedures and sterilization. We continue to employ the most up-to-date procedures at Apex Dental Group to stay safe. As a team, we continue to monitor ourselves and our family for symptoms of the Coronavirus. We are all healthy and we are here to assist you with dental emergencies.

What can you do as a patient during this time? 

• Keep monitoring yourself at home for fever, dry cough, chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
• Call for medical help if needed. 
• Wipe handles, doorknobs and anything you come in contact with on a frequent basis. 
• Use a Clorox bleach solution to disinfect surfaces. Use this where you can to conserve disinfectant wipes and sanitizer. 
• Wash your hands for 20 seconds.  Use hand sanitizer as needed – save for when you go out.

When you must go out for groceries and medicine, practice social distancing, keeping as much distance from others. Be mindful of anything you touch. 

Be sure to take care of yourself during this time. Stress and anxiety can reduce the immune system so don’t forget to exercise, eat well and get a good night’s sleep. You can try something new such as cooking a new recipe or take long walks and enjoy the fresh air. Whatever you and your family choose, keeping up with your habits of flossing and staying in tune with your oral health helps us all. 

Dr. Kitzmiller remains available to treat dental emergencies as needed. We continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation and observe CDC, ADA and NC Dental Society recommendations.  As new information becomes available to us, we will keep all of our patients informed.

Don’t forget to like us on Facebook @ApexDentalGroupNC and our website and Instagram

Websites for learning more open in a new window:

www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/i/infection-control

Center for Disease Control and prevention

American Dental Association

www.clorox.com/how-to/laundry-basics/

www.apexdentalgroup.com

Apex Dental Group Open for Emergency Dental Cases Only

March 17, 2020

Dear Patient,

Due to the ever-changing state of the Corona Virus, we want to keep you informed regarding precautions that are currently taking place within the dental community. Your health and the health of our families is our prime concern.

The American Dental Association and the State Board of Dental Examiners has recommended a postponement of all non-emergency dental appointments beginning today, March 17, 2020.  Therefore, we have closed the office for all elective procedures.  Because things are constantly changing, we will be updating our blog, website, and email blast to keep you informed. Patients have been cancelled thorough March 31. Any appointment after that date, we will contact you as needed.

Emergencies will be seen on a case by case basis.  Please contact the office and follow the prompts.  Here are some links to help keep you informed: (these open in a new window)


COVID-19 Situation Web Page
NC Department of Public Health Website
American Dental Association (ADA)
Wake County Schools Alert
Kitzy’s Corner Blog
Apex Dental Group Website


We care greatly about our patients and team members’ health and safety.  We ask for your understanding during this unprecedented event.  Please do your part in social distancing and utilize best hygiene practices to help improve this situation as quickly as possible.

Sincerely,
Dr. John S. Kitzmiller III, DDS

Apex Dental Group
919-362-1341

Keeping Patients Informed - Coronavirus Facts & Our Plan

Dear Patients,

I understand everyone’s concern over the virus. The group that has the greatest risk are 60 and up, and we need to protect them by our ability to protect ourselves. See the chart below on the latest data. This virus is more contagious than the flu and the risks for contracting it can be reduced by the same protocol that we currently use for the flu.

What we can do for our patients is to inform them of steps that they can take to combat the virus and for that matter, the flu. 59,041 people died from the flu / pneumonia, and in 2018 and 55,593 died from the flu / pneumonia. As of today, 50 people have died from the coronavirus. My point being is that we should be taking precautions every day and especially during flu season.

Source:
Mortality rates from:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/sosmap/flu_pneumonia_mortality/flu_pneumonia.htm.


Infection control and standard precautions that we always employ are excellent deterrents to COVD-19 and every other virus.  In addition to the routine steps we take, we are being even more vigilant of all the areas in the office.  Surfaces in the reception area, front desk area, consultation area and restroom(s) which would normally be cleaned and disinfected daily, are now being disinfected throughout the day.  Hand sanitizer is readily available in our all areas of the practice for your use.

Symptoms:

1. Fever (77–98%)
2. Cough (46%–82%)
3. Myalgia or fatigue (11–52%)
4. Shortness of breath (3-31%)
5. Less commonly reported symptoms: sore throat, headache

Risk factors:

1. Elderly (60+)
2. Chronic medical conditions
3. 10.5% for those with cardiovascular disease
4. 7% for diabetes
5. 6% each for chronic respiratory disease, hypertension, and cancer

Source:
Statistics from:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html

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My personal plan as a dentist:

1. Take temp morning and evening because high fever is a hallmark sign.
2. Monitor myself for a dry cough – Not sinus congestion and postnasal congestion. Allergy season is upon us.
3. If I have myalgia or fatigue that is unexplained.
4. Hand washing as much as possible.
5. Use hand sanitizer when hand washing is not available.
6. No handshaking or personal contact (touching) with others to keep a greater social distance.
7. Disinfecting all surfaces that I or others touch with an appropriate cleaner. Phones, remotes etc.
8. When in public touch as little as possible. Use elbows and other body parts to open doors etc.
9. I will not be attending large public events such as hockey. ☹ It has been suspended. Group sports from Apex have been postponed as a result
10. I will be shopping for items that are needed, exercising as much as possible, eating a well-balanced diet, and continuing my daily life as much as possible.
11. If I develop any symptoms, I will call my Physician to see the best way to be tested. You may not have the coronavirus and could contract it by going to the hospital. It may be the flu or something else.
12. If I have the coronavirus, I will isolate myself for 2 weeks at my home from my community and my family.

How to Protect Yourself

Check out the information in this link:
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. 

Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. 

Many people have few or no detectable symptoms. Therefore, we should use the universal precautions as outlined above. This is what the medical & dental communities do on a daily basis. You never know who is sick or not.

Coronavirus Age Group Impact

Use this interactive link. It’s pretty helpful to understand what to do and look for: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

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Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact 

 

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others 

 

Stay home if you’re sick 

 

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.  Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes 

 

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a face mask if you are sick

 

• If you are sick:
  You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a face mask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick:
  You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

 

Clean and disinfect 

 

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.

• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect:

Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

• Diluting your household bleach.

To make a bleach solution, mix:

5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) bleach per gallon of water
OR
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

• Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.

• Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants:
  Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens (PDF) claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).