NEW CDC QUARANTINE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COVID-19 EXPLAINED:
- The CDC has changed the number of days they advise people to quarantine if they have been exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.
- People can quarantine for only 7 days if they also have a negative test result for the new coronavirus.
- Experts say this shortened quarantine schedule means there is a slightly increased risk of transmitting the virus after quarantine.
Under these options, quarantine can end:
- After 10 days without a test if the person has reported no symptoms
- After 7 days with a negative test result if the person has reported no symptoms
- The revised recommendations apply to those considered close contacts of those with an infection. The CDC Trusted Source defines a close contact as a person “who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset.”
- There is still some risk. A person may still pass on the virus after they’ve performed a 7-day quarantine and received a negative test result. The estimated risk is believed to be between about 5 to 10 percent.
For someone who tests positive for the new coronavirus, the best way to reduce spread is adhering to CDC recommendations that include:
- Isolating at home
- Distancing from family
- Wearing a mask
- Regular handwashing, disinfection, and practicing good hand hygiene
WE ARE RE-OPENING!
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
We hope this notice finds you and your family in good health! We have been through a lot over the last few months and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, our commitment to your health and safety will always be the same.
Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rules or guidance that may be issued.
You most certainly will notice changes when you revisit our practice! These changes were made to help protect the health and safety of our patients and staff. Our new protocols, along with an expected increased demand might mean that you are offered fewer options for scheduling your appointments. Please be patient: we will work hard over the next few weeks in getting everyone back into the schedule and minimizing any further interruption to your treatment.
We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you and our staff healthy and safe. We value your trust and loyalty and are excited in welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends!
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Ferrari and Staff
APPROACH AND CRITERIA FOR REOPENING OUR DENTAL OFFICE
The following priorities must be met in order to resume minor emergency, preventive and elective office-based procedures in our practice:
-Ensure the health and safety of both our patients and staff
-Minimize the risk of SARS-COV-2 transmission to our patients and staff.
-Avoid further delays in necessary preventive and operative health care for our patients.
-Minimize health emergencies presenting at hospital emergency departments.
To address each of these priorities, the following steps and criteria will be met in order to resume and maintain non-emergency and elective procedures in our office:
-Our office will adhere to universal precautions and strict infection control policies as recommended by the CDC.
-We will maintain an adequate supply of PPE for all staff and ensure a competent supply chain.
-We will decrease our caseload and adjust our schedule to maximize social distancing within our waiting and treatment rooms.
-We will maintain a plan to reduce or stop non-emergency and elective procedures should a surge/resurgence of COVID-19 occur in our region or if the state resumes a “stay at home” order.
-Procedures will be prioritized based on whether their continued delay will result in an adverse health outcome. All elective procedures will be prioritized based on indication and urgency.
-Strongly consider the balance of risks vs. benefits for patients in higher risk groups or anyone with a compromised immune system.
-Our office will utilize enhanced risk screening prior to delivering care and reserve the right to refuse treatment to those who may be at extreme risk or exhibit symptoms of infection in order to ensure the safety of all.
In response to the above and in order to provide the quality care you expect, we will introduce the following measures immediately:
-Pre-visit telephone assessment of patient’s health risk at confirmation call
-Completion of health history forms before arriving to office visit.
-Scheduling in order to adhere to strict social distancing.
-Taking of temperatures for each clinical visit.
-Thorough disinfection of all common areas after each patient visit.
-Use of new barrier protection and PPE for patients.
-Use of medical grade H13 True HEPA filtration units.
We will continue to monitor any new recommendations on how to provide the best and safest care.
In light of the recent spread of the COVID-19 virus, we have been closely monitoring and discussing the virus’ transmission and precautions we can take in our office, both temporarily and permanently.
The health and well-being of our patients, staff and community is our first priority. Amidst this growing concern, we are taking the recommendations and precautions of the Illinois State Dental Society, American Dental Association, and OSHA in formulating a plan which we will implement immediately to ensure your safety in our facility.
- Prevention/Confirmation/Check-In Screening
Perform a health status check as recommended by the CDC by asking questions concerning the presence of symptoms, social interaction or suspected contact and/or travel to level 2 or 3 restricted areas. - Rescheduling all patients who fall into a high-risk category and delaying most elective therapy.
The elderly, immunocompromised, patients with respiratory issues, etc. will be asked to consider re-scheduling their non-emergency appointments. - Cleanliness
We have historically maintained the highest level of OSHA disinfection and sterilization guidelines. We have enhanced these preventive measures by increasing our use of barrier controls and disinfecting our public areas more frequently. - Minimize contact with others
We will minimize the number of patients in our reception area and maintain spacing per CDC guidelines by not overbooking, spacing our schedule and seeing all patients at or before their appointed time. - Reduction of aerosols
We are currently suspending the use of ultrasonic equipment and are having all patients rinse with 1% hydrogen peroxide prior to each procedure. - Maintenance of supply chain
We have ensured an ample supply of personal protective equipment in order that no necessary treatments are delayed.
**We plan to resume our normal schedule starting May 26th based on current information (this is subject to change). We are still available for any and all emergencies**
We thank you for your understanding in regards to the changes we are making during this difficult time. This is a very fluid situation and we are ready to make the best decisions regarding the health and safety of our patients and staff members.
TIPS ON FIXING MINOR DENTAL EMERGENCIES AT HOME
Office Remains Open for Dental Emergencies During Stay-At-Home Order!
Dr. Mark Ferrari understands the concerns of many patients on leaving their home during the Stay-At-Home order. He is therefore keeping his doors open for those that are comfortable still coming to his office for emergency treatment, and offering virtual consults to all through “teledentistry”!
From now until May 30, 2020 (with the potential to change based on stay-at-home order), Dr. Ferrari is accepting “teledentistry” consults at no charge (regardless if you are current patient or not). This means, if you have a concern or question, you can send a photo of your tooth using your smartphone to Dr. Ferrari’s office and he will provide feedback and advice via email ( [email protected] ).
We are also guiding patients on what emergencies can be handled safely at home with products that can be found in your house; and which ones he recommends still heading into the dentist’s office for. The following dental issues can, in many cases, be safely dealt with at home.
• Re-cementing a temporary or permanent crown.
Dr. Ferrari says to take the temporary crown off and rehearse placing it back on the tooth (the crown is in the correct place if teeth come together when biting down). Next, use the open end of a paperclip to scrape out the temporary cement inside the crown. (Be sure there is no temporary cement on the tooth). Finally, squeeze a few drops of Fixodent denture adhesive or regular toothpaste into the temporary crown and re-cement it back on the tooth. This will suffice until you can visit the office.
• Removing a foreign body stuck in the gum.
Dr. Ferrari advises patients to tie a double knot in a strand of dental floss and then run the knotted portion of the dental floss between the teeth to scrape out the foreign body under the gum line followed by vigorous rinsing with saltwater or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
• Lost fillings.
If a filling comes out, Dr. Ferrari suggests saving the piece to show your dentist. To temporarily fix the lost filling, gently brush the tooth with toothpaste and lukewarm water. Then, plug the hole using over-the-counter products such as Temparin or Dentemp until you can see a dentist.
• Chipped or broken tooth leaving a jagged or sharp edge.
Try to cover the exposed area with dental wax, which can be found at most local drug stores. (Typically, DIY sealants are usually only good for up to 48 hours.) If necessary, use a nail file to file down the rough spots. However, it is important to keep the area covered until you can see a dentist.
• Suspicious mouth ulcers and other lesions.
There are a few remedies to treat painful mouth ulcers and lesions at home, according to Dr. Ferrari. These treatments include rinsing with saltwater and baking soda, covering the area with a baking soda paste, using a mouth rinse containing a steroid, or using over-the-counter benzocaine (topical anesthetic) products.
Dr. Mark Ferrari can be reached by calling 847-884-6776, emailing [email protected] or by visiting our website: ferraridds.com
Oral Home Care During “Shelter in Place”
During these turbulent times of health threats, isolation and social distancing, your home oral health care is more important than ever. Whether your active treatment has been interrupted, your preventive visit has been postponed or you are overdue for a cleaning we have a few tips to tide you over until things get back to the new normal!
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after your home care.
- Make it a point to brush 3 times per day, before bed being the most important. Rinse your brush well after each use and replace your brush/head every 8-12 weeks.
- Floss every day and discard your floss in a tissue to prevent any cross contamination.
- Use an appropriate non-alcohol rinse whether for bleeding gums, sensitivity, etc. 1-2 times per day.
- Stay hydrated and rinse frequently with water during the day especially if you are snacking more than normal.
Just committing to the above simple steps will decrease your body’s inflammatory burden and keep the probability of potential problems to a minimum!
Stay healthy! We look forward to seeing you soon.