CHANGES WE’VE IMPLEMENTED FOR YOU AND/OR YOUR CHILD’S SAFETY

During the current COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to maintain OSHA universal precautions like we always have, but we have added several additional measures for the next several months in order to keep you and/or your child as safe as possible.

First and foremost, we have installed a Reme Halo Air Purification unit in our office (https:///www.rgf.com/products/air/reme-halo/). This unit was installed in our A/C and furnace blower, and uses UV light that reacts with a catalyst to kill bacteria and viruses through ionization. Studies have proven it to kill 99% of microbes in a human sneeze at 3 ft, results in a 97% reduction in airborne bacteria and viruses, and can reduce surface viruses by up to 99%.

There will also be some temporary changes in our patient flow and procedures. In order to maintain social distancing and minimize patient to patient proximity, we are trying to minimize the number of people in the office at one time. To do this, we are essentially using the parking lot as a waiting room, and are asking that the patient come up to the office, while parents and siblings stay in the car. There are some exceptions however. If you are a new patient coming in for an initial exam, yes, please accompany your child. If your child is scheduled for a start appointment, to get their initial braces placed, we need you to come up also, at least for the first part of the appointment. If you have a younger patient in treatment, and do not feel comfortable having him or her come up on their own, one parent may accompany them.

When you arrive for your appointment, text our dedicated phone for check in at 208-215-0348 to let us know you’re here, and include the patient’s name. Please wait in your car, and our patient flow coordinator will text you back, and let you know when you or your child’s chair is ready. She will greet you or your child at the elevator and take them back to their chair, where they will rinse out with mouthwash. If you have any concerns or questions about treatment progress let us know, and Dr. Chaffee can call you at the end of the day.

If you, your child, or any other family members have experienced any coronavirus symptoms, including fever, chills, sore throat, shortness of breath, or loss of smell within the last two weeks, or if you’ve had contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please call us to reschedule your appointment.

Other measures in the clinic we’ve added, that you might notice depending on the procedure, are clinic jackets, 3D printed N95 type masks, and face shields. Procedures that may produce significant aerosols, such as debonds (braces removal), will be done primarily in our private treatment room.

Thanks for your understanding as we implement these changes. We very much look forward to seeing you or your child to continue treatment progress, and keep working towards that goal of finishing your treatment with a fantastic outcome, and beautiful smile.