Caring For Our Patients Amidst A Health Crisis, COVID-19

To our valued patients

As you are aware, there has been a great deal of attention in the news regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), a flu-like disease that was originally identified in December.  The virus has spread from China throughout the world. In the past week a few cases have been identified in Montgomery County Maryland. The wellness of our community is our highest priority, and I want to update you about Quince Orchard Dental’s response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). 

We are continuously monitoring news and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the most recent information from the CDC, for most people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. Currently we are taking numerous increased precautions in our office, many advised by the American Dental Association (ADA), to care for all patients during this health crisis.

In an effort to contain the spread of the virus, We respectfully request that families who have or will be traveling via a cruise ship or domestically to areas with a significant outbreak of the COVID-19 virus or internationally to a country with a warning level of 2 or 3 by the CDC to reach out to us prior to their appointments. We also respectfully request that if you or someone in your household are experiencing acute respiratory illness, including fever, cough or shortness of breath to please reach out to us prior to their appointment. You may be asked to reschedule your appointment 14 days out, the maximum incubation period of the virus. We rely on the cooperation of our community to maintain a healthy environment for everyone. Our policy is one of caution to protect the health of our entire community.

HYGIENE

One of the primary recommendations of the CDC and the WHO continues to be one of prevention, including frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding the touching of faces. To this end, QODC and QODS are taking immediate steps to be extra vigilant in our routines and the disinfecting of the practice and to provide education for our community to limit the spread of any illness.

Individual hygiene:

• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for at least 20 seconds. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Cover your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not with your hands).
• Stay home if you or members of your family are unwell. 
•  Recommend non-physical greetings, i.e. fist bump or elbow bump instead of handshakes and hugs.

Building cleanliness:

• evenings, a professional cleaning crew disinfects high-volume surfaces such as sinks, bathrooms, doorknobs, railings, buttons, hard floor surfaces, and any other non-porous surfaces. 
• Our team will increase the cleaning of reception area’s with disinfectant supplies and have been encouraged to wipe down surfaces multiple times throughout the day.

RESOURCES

Some helpful links for keeping yourself healthy below: 

• Prevention and Treatment Tips from the CDC
• Effective Handwashing Techniques - wash for 20 seconds!

We understand that unknown viruses can create worry and anxiety for families. If your child is feeling anxious, here are a few helpful resources:

What Kids Want To Know About Coronavirus: An Original Comic 

How to Talk to Kids About Coronavirus

Talking to Children about COVID-19

We are continuing to monitor the situation, and we are refining our plan to ensure that we are prepared to best care for all our patients and members of our community. Please understand that this is a rapidly unfolding situation, and things may change very quickly. We will be in touch as new information arises.

We thank you as always for your support and partnership.