Our office has been closely monitoring updates with regards to COVID-19. 
As we look to re-open and move toward our new normal, we have implemented new protocols for the health and safety of our patients and team. We want to update you on these additional safety initiatives that we are undertaking.
We have always, and continue to maintain compliance with CDC recommendations. Our very high standards of cleaning and sterilization will continue, which serve generally to prevent flu, virus and other infectious disease transmission.
Here are some of the specific safety initiatives that we are working on:
- Installation of high grade HyperHEPA surgical air filtration units: These units have been engineered to remove 99.5% of harmful ultrafine pollution particles down to 0.003 microns in size. This is 100 times smaller than what is achieved with ordinary air filtration technology and 10 times smaller than a virus.
- New patient scheduling protocol: We have completely redesigned our scheduling practices. Patient appointments will be spaced out in order to allow for social distancing in the office. You will experience this in spending little or no time in our waiting room.
- Check-in from your car: In order to promote social distancing in the office, we are trying to minimize the amount of time that you spend in common areas, such as our patient waiting room. Please call our office upon arrival for your appointment and check-in by phone.
- Non-contact temperature checks: All patients and staff members will have their temperatures taken upon arrival to the office so that we can detect and send home anyone with a fever.
- Required hand washing: Everyone who enters Schiffman Oral Surgery must wash their hands with alcohol based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Purell will be available throughout the office.
- Pre-procedural mouth rinse: Upon being seated in a consultation or treatment room, all patients will be required to rinse for 30 seconds with a special mouthwash. This rinse is intended to decrease the microbial load in your mouth from the very start of your appointment.
- Enhanced surface disinfection: All surfaces in reception, front desk, and bathrooms are wiped down with hospital grade disinfectant sprays many times throughout the day. Our operatories, recovery rooms and other clinical patient areas are wiped down after every patient encounter, and instruments are sterilized after every use.
- Augmented barriers: High-touch surfaces and equipment will be covered with single-use plastic coverings, and acrylic sneeze-guards have been installed in the reception area.
- Patient and staff screening questionnaires: All patients and staff members will answer a series of questions upon arrival. This will allow us to detect people who may unknowingly be at elevated risk for transmitting the virus.
- New high level PPE: You’ll notice us wearing a lot more PPE (personal protective equipment). Depending on the nature of your visit, you can expect to see varying levels of PPE. Generally, you can expect to see more masks, respirator masks (N95), glasses, face shields, gowns, gloves, hair and shoe coverings.