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