Coronavirus Update in Gaithersburg, MD
All Patients:
Please click the link to fill out our online COVID-19 Health Screening Questionnaire prior to your appointment.
We are taking extraordinary steps to ensure your safety
We, as a team have been working on new COVID-19 procedures and protocols by following the constantly updated advice and recommendations prescribed by the CDC, ADA, FDA and OSHA. Your health and safety are always our primary goal.
Enhanced Cleaning
Common Areas
You will notice that the rooms may appear a bit stark since magazines, refreshments, etc. have been removed so as not to be a source of Covid-19 transfer. These areas will be regularly treated with disinfectant and the air will be continually cleaned. An advanced HEPA filtration system will be present in the common area.
Clinical treatment rooms
All rooms will have high performance HEPA filters running at all times. FDA approved disinfecting protocols will continue to be in place. A new door has been installed to separate the clinical from the administrative area.
Your Visit with Stiles Dentistry
Before Your Visit
Each person will be asked to fill out a screening questionnaire. If you are feeling any COVID-19 symptoms we will need to reschedule the visit.
Upon Arrival
Please notify us from your car when you park and remain in your car until we advise you that your treatment room is ready.
Each person will be asked to wear a mask to the office.
Each person will have their temperature taken before the visit to ensure they’re not running a fever.
Patient times will be staggered to minimize contact with other patients.
During the Visit
We’ll work to reduce or limit all aerosols.
We will continue all previous safety methods including the Isolite high vacuum system.
Additional measures will include an oral rinse with 1% Hydrogen Peroxide.
Wrapping up Your Visit
Insurance claims and payments will be performed digitally with a focus on no direct transfer of paper claims, walk out statements, pens, etc. We will email walkout statements as requested instead.
We will email you appointment reminders instead of handing out appointment cards.
Payments will ideally be made with credit card, or other digital service.
We will have a new exit protocol (side door) for leaving the office to help minimize patients coming in contact with other patients.
Additional Safety Precautions
To help prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections, including COVID-19, we adhere to standardized infection control measures, such as performing hand hygiene, providing tissues and no-touch receptacles to throw away used tissues, and offering facemasks to patients who are coughing. We follow routine cleaning and disinfection strategies, using cleaners and water to pre-clean surfaces prior to applying an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as appropriate sterilization of all tools and equipment. We also use new facemasks and gloves for each patient per guidelines set by the FDA and CDC.
While our office already adheres to these standard precautions, there are several common sense recommendations we are implementing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Screening patients for signs or symptoms of infection when we update their medical histories.
- Making sure our masks, gloves, and eye protection are appropriate for the procedures performed.
- Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs, and bathrooms.
If you have an appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, please contact our office if you experience any of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Travel within the past 14 days to affected geographical regions
We will discuss your health status, the dental treatment you require, and whether or not visiting our office will be safe for you, our other patients, and our staff.
How can you prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19?
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands.
- Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.
If you would like more information about our office’s dedication to your health and safety, please give us a call. For more information about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization website.