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Dear Patient(s),

We are excited to have the opportunity to welcome you back!

Our office has always utilized personal protective equipment (PPE) that has exceeded all the CDC guidelines, however, in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic we have instituted additional guidelines and protocols to ensure your safety.

You will see many changes, as we have new ways of scheduling your appointments and managing your insurance and financial transactions. First, you will be contacted 48-72 hours prior to your appointment via phone, text or email and asked a set of health-related questions. It is required that we complete this questionnaire prior to your appointment. We will have to reschedule your appointment if we are unable to complete this step. Below is a list of some of the enhanced precautions we have taken to protect you in addition to extensive team training on infection control and patient management procedures.

  1. Personalized arrival procedures to guide you from your car directly to treatment rooms to eliminate contacting surfaces.
  2. Maintain distancing in the reception area for essential caregivers and parents of minors if they cannot wait in a vehicle or outside the clinic.
  3. Removed magazines and items that can harbor or transfer germs of any kind. Hand sanitizers will be positioned throughout the clinic.
  4. Providing more education materials to enhance your awareness of health issues related to this pandemic.
  5. We require a mask to be worn by ALL patients upon entering the office.
  6. Installed sneeze guards or droplet barriers at all reception areas.
  7. Require hand washing and hand sanitizing before all appointments by our team and by our patients.
  8. Introduce an oral pre rinse by all patients to reduce exposure to germs.
  9. Require all team members to undergo periodic testing for COVID-19 and antibodies for the earliest detection of exposure should it exist.
  10. Record temperature of every patient upon entering the office.
  11. Record the temperature and lung efficiency of every team member each day at beginning and end of work period.
  12. Payment arrangements in advance to avoid delay and allow contactless exit from the appointment.
  13. Enhanced operatory disinfection procedures of all surfaces between patients.
  14. Ambient air management with HEPA 13 air filtration continuously in treatment rooms and common areas to remove germs from circulating air.
  15. Enhanced HVAC disinfection with UV light or HEPA Filtration units.
  16. Enhanced operatory disinfection procedures before and after all appointments with mist or fogging devices to access hard to reach places that can be easily missed.
  17. New personal protection equipment like visors, gowns, and masks for our doctors and team to provide barriers against the smallest of germs.
  18. Introduce protocols to reduce or eliminate airborne aerosols during all dental procedures.
  19. Enhanced nightly disinfection procedures of equipment and office fixtures like computers, keyboards, telephones, tablets, chairs, doorknobs, and buttons that may be touched unconsciously.
  20. Disinfection of all outside mail and packages that enter the building.
  21. Longer appointment times for you to prepare and complete all appointment tasks and duties in the safest and most comprehensive manner.
  22. Providing teledentistry services for follow up lab reports or communication that can be done online or through video education.
  23. Provide disease testing recommendations for exposure detection to viruses.

Sincerely,

Lawrence Duffield DDS and Staff

The Best Ways To Prevent Cavities

These are the best ways to prevent cavities so that you can have a healthy smile!The health of your teeth should always be a priority, which is why it’s important to be aware of the best ways to prevent cavities. A cavity is a spot on the tooth that has been worn down and has started to decay. If you ignore them for too long, major problems can occur. When it comes to your oral health, remember that prevention is always the best medicine!

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities are caused by acidic-plaque that sits on the teeth, causing damage to the enamel and wearing a hole into your tooth. This plaque is caused by sugary and starchy foods that turn into acid when consumed. When this plaque begins to build up, it creates a breeding ground for cavities.

Saving Your Teeth: The Best Ways To Prevent Cavities

Make an effort to prevent cavities before they occur. Sometimes all you have to do is make a few alterations to your daily routine. To help fight against cavities, here are a few tips you should follow:

  • Regular Brushing:  This is an obvious one that many people have heard since they were little. Regularly brushing your teeth removes the damaging plaque from the surface of your teeth. This gives teeth the chance to repair and not be constantly attacked by acidic-plaque.  
  • Flossing: Brushing is not always enough to remove the damaging plaque. Plaque can get in between teeth, causing even more damage. Flossing at least once a day will greatly improve the health of your teeth and prevent cavities.
  • Limit Snacking & Sipping: If you find yourself snacking and drinking, be careful about the amount of sugar you’re consuming. Too much sugar will only generate more acidic-plaque. It is especially important to limit foods that get stuck in teeth like chips and candy. Fresh fruits and veggies are a much better option.
  • Include Fluoride: Make sure your toothpaste and mouthwash include fluoride. Fluoride, along with the minerals in your saliva, fight against acidic-plaque and helps to repair teeth. Also most tap water has fluoride.
  • Visit the Dentist Regularly: Scheduling regular visits to the dentist is very important not only to preventing cavities but for your overall oral health. Keeping your teeth clean and regularly examined should happen at least yearly.

Implementing the best ways to prevent cavities into your daily routine will only benefit you and your smile. Always take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, avoiding harmful snacks, including fluoride in your oral care and visiting the dentist regularly.

Call Today to Make an Appointment 248-721-4502 Request an Appointment
2009 Crooks Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073
  • Mon: 8am - 5pm
  • Tue: 7am - 5pm
  • Wed: 10am - 7pm
  • Thu: 8am - 6pm
  • Fri: 8am - 2pm
  • Sat: 9am - 1pm
  • Sun: Closed