Temecula Orthodontist Practice’s Plan for Reopening Safely During COVID-19

As we prepare for the authorization of orthodontist and dental offices to reopen, Burke & Redford Orthodontists will be ready to once again offer Inland Empire residents high-quality, in-office orthodontic care. Although the practice has been limited to offering tele-orthodontic appointments and emergency treatments since stay-at-home orders were announced on March 19, the staff has been meticulously preparing for reopening once restrictions are lifted.

“The safety of our patients and staff are our top priority,” said Dr. Ryan Redford. “We’ve been working tirelessly on the protocols that will be followed once our offices in Temecula and Lake Elsinore are permitted to fully reopen.” The protocols will strictly adhere to the safety guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the California Department of Public Health, and the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).

Although the plan for reopening has not yet been finalized, patients can expect to see the following types of protocols put into place at the offices of Burke & Redford Orthodontists.

Patients with scheduled appointments will be instructed to remain in their vehicles and call the office once they arrive in the parking lot.

Upon entering the office, patients will be asked to complete a COVID-19 screening. In addition, a staff member will take their temperature and assess them for any symptoms of COVID-19, such as a cough. If any symptoms of COVID-19 are present or if a patient indicates that they have possibly been exposed to the virus, they will be referred to a local physician or hospital for further evaluation.

If patients are free of COVID-19 symptoms, only the patient will be allowed to remain in the office for the appointment. The only exceptions will be for a parent or guardian accompanying minors or persons with physical or mental disabilities.

Before proceeding to a sterilized treatment area, patients will be escorted to a cleaning station to thoroughly wash and sanitize their hands.

Once the patient’s treatment area is sanitized and ready for their appointment, patients will be escorted to the dental chair by a staff member wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Patients will be asked to rinse or gargle for 60 seconds with an antiviral rinse before treatment begins.

Treatment chairs in use will be 6 feet apart.

During every office visit, patients will be kept at least 6 feet away from other patients and staff members, unless a staff member is wearing appropriate PPE.

All patients will be asked to wear a face mask in the office when not receiving treatment.

The reception area will be closed to all patients.

Only one patient at a time will be permitted at the front desk to check out and make follow-up appointments.

In addition to these changes in protocol, the office staff will follow stringent procedures for disinfecting, sterilizing, and protecting all office and patient treatment areas, including chairs, equipment, instruments, the front desk, workstations, patient records, and bathrooms.

All staff will be provided with appropriate PPE, including gowns, gloves, and face masks appropriate to their position. Staff will regularly have their temperature taken and be assessed for symptoms of COVID-19.

Patients can schedule a free consultation on the website or call during business hours.

“We believe that adhering to these protocols and any others deemed necessary by health officials will help to keep our patients and staff safe,” said Dr. Redford. “Safety is our highest priority in these difficult times. We will continually assess the situation and make any needed adjustments to our cleaning and safety protocols.”