COVID-19 INFORMATION by your Killingly Dental Care Team

DEAR VALUED KDC PATIENTS,

At Killingly Dental Care (KDC), the health and safety of our patients, community, and dental team are of the utmost priority. The American Dental Association and the State of

Connecticut Department of Public Health has urged all licensed dental professionals to postpone non-emergent dental procedures. Killingly Dental Care is open for true dental emergencies only. We plan to reopen for normal dental hygiene and dental visits on April 6, 2020. Such postponement can contribute to reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in our communities, and contribute to the well-being of the public and the dental team and their families.

 

If you are having a true dental emergency, please call our office for instructions on how to proceed. Dr. Kimbal Sheffield and Dr. Allison White are readily available by phone to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding your teeth or if you’re wondering if you’re experiencing a true dental emergency. Dental emergencies include but are not limited to: acute dental pain, infection/abscess, excessive bleeding, swelling, broken or cracked teeth that are causing pain, or a knocked-out tooth.

 

Our team at KDC wishes you all stay healthy and find a way to SMILE during these times. We are all in this together.

 

The Center For Disease Control (CDC) and the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) are updating us constantly on the following recommendations we are about to share.

 

KILLINGLY DENTAL CARE INFECTION CONTROL PROTOCOLS

 

•    All patient operatories are thoroughly cleaned using hospital grade surface disinfectant wipes and sprays that are effective against viruses (hydrophilic and lipophilic) such as the Coronavirus, TB, HBV, HCV, HIV, HepC, bacteria (including MRSA and VRE) and fungi. We are now INCREASING OUR CLEANING PROTOCOLS and using these hospital grade disinfectant wipes on “high-touch” areas such as all door handles, restroom facilities, reception area chairs, tables, pens, pencils, & clipboards.

 

•    We are refraining from hand shaking and are using thorough hand washing before and after treating and/or checking on individual patients.

 

•    We are wearing proper protective equipment recommended by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) including level-3 masks, sterile gloves, and protective lab coats.

•    All dental materials and instruments are sterilized in a medical-grade autoclave which uses steam and extreme heat to kill viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Each pouch has an indicator to confirm proper disinfection. Our sterilization is tested frequently in accordance with OSHA regulations.

 

•    During our appointment confirmation phone conversation, we are asking patients who feel sick (even if it’s just a common cold) to stay home and reschedule their appointment once they are feeling healthy again.

 

•    Our team members are not taking this lightly and we are all taking extra precautions outside the office to limit our (and our family’s) exposure to the virus in order to stay healthy.

•    For more information on Coronavirus in Healthcare see here: https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html

 

STAY INFORMED BY THE RIGHT SOURCES

 

•    Center For Disease Control (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ index.html

 

•    World Health Organization (WHO) https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

 

•    American Dental Association

 

OPTIMIZE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

 

•    Take extra Vitamins including multivitamin, Vit C, D3, Magnesium, Omega-3, and probiotics. Increase your dietary intake of dark leafy greens, fruits (blueberries, blackberries, acai, oranges).

 

•    Light-moderate exercise for 20 minutes per day has shown to increase white blood cells and optimize circulation to help fight against sicknesses.

 

•    Cover your cough and sneeze

 

•    Avoid touching your face as Coronavirus is known to spread through eyes, ears, nose, mouth.

•    Hand sanitizer is effective only if it is at least 60% alcohol

 

•    Avoid close contact with strangers (within 6 feet) and avoid crowded places

 

•    Wear a face mask at all times if you are sick

 

•    If someone in your household gets sicks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/ community/home/index.html? CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fget-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

 

•    Clean and disinfect (EPA-grade) your home, car, bike, bags, purses, cell phones and anything you’re touching at or before entering your home. (https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/cleaning-disinfection.html)

•    Practice “medical” hand washing for 20 seconds or more with antibacterial soap and warm water. Liquid soap is more effective than foaming soap. Wash hands after you sneeze or cough or have touched a surface another person may have touched before you with infected hands. Please see diagram below to avoid missing common areas.