Open - Please read
Dear Patients:
It is hard to believe it is almost 2 years into the pandemic. All of our staff are fully vaccinated with boosters. On the downside, Omicron is highly contagious and so we must keep vigilant. I assure you we will continue to do everything we can to keep you safe. We are following all guidelines set out by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario and Ottawa Public Health and trying to surpass those standards where possible.
Here is a review of what we have done and what to expect:
-Our staff wear PPE appropriate to the services they are performing. For example,
for aerosol generating procedures we wear scrubs, gown, N95, Level 3 surgical
mask, glasses, face shield, hair coverings and gloves.
-We have installed tempered glass doors on all operatories and Surgically Clean
Air machines in every room. Click on the banner to find out all about our fabulous
Surgically Clean Air machines which remove 99.998% of viruses from our rooms in
very little time.
-A plexiglass shield has been installed at the reception desk.
-We limit the number of people in the office. Only one caregiver per patient or
one parent of care giver per child (no siblings).
-You must arrive early and call us from your car at 613-224-3900. We will let you
know when to come up. Face masks must be worn in the building and in our office
until you are in the treatment room.
-When we call to confirm your appointment we will ask you many questions.
These will help prevent you being turned away at the door. Some of these
questions are about your social activities and travel outside your home. We truly
appreciate your candor. It keeps us, our families and other patients safe.
-When you arrive, you will be asked questions again, your temperature will be
taken and you will be given hand sanitizer. If you haven’t already, you will be
asked to sign a Patient Acknowledgement of Covid-19 Risk Sheet. This is posted
here on our website so you can read it in advance.
- Due to the dramtic increase in our PPE and material costs, there is a surcharge of $12 on every appointment. This charge is not covered by insurance.
-If you or someone you have had contact with has travelled within 14 days of your
appointment, or has tested positive for Covid-19, please inform us as soon as
possible prior to your appointment and do not come to the office. We will re-
book your appointment.
-We are now open Monday through Thursday and Wednesday evenings.
- Patients who are fully vaccinated can have normal cleanings and treatment. For unvaccinated patients hygiene appointments are hand scale and examinations only and aersol generating treatment is limited to urgent and emergent care only.
We appreciate patients not increasing our already very high risk of contracting
Covid-19. Please do your part, wash hands frequently, clean commonly touched
surfaces often, cough into your sleeve, wear a mask, and get vaccinated as soon
as it is offered to you and supply is available. Maintain social distance and do
whatever public health authorities ask with respect to socialization so we all can
get back to normal sooner.
Stay home, stay safe, get vaccinated, and let’s all get through this safely,
Sincerely,
Valerie Archibald DDS
