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AN OPEN LETTER FROM DR. PAUL SZMANDA
PRESIDENT AND CEO OF SZMANDA DENTAL CENTER, SC
TO OUR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITY
Greetings Everyone!
On May 4, 2020, Szmanda Dental Center began a phased, measured and clinically led process to resume non-emergency services and procedures in addition to continuing to provide urgent care and emergency services. At all times, we have met and exceeded federal and state guidelines and guidance provided by agencies such as the CDC, OSHA and DHHS, as well as guidance provided by industry organizations such as the American Dental Association® and the Wisconsin Dental Association®, to ensure the highest levels of safety and protection for our patients, our team and our community in general. Since reopening, we have had no known transmission of COVID-19 (or any other infectious disease) and have been commended by many for our precautions.
The dental industry in general and our offices in particular have a great deal of historical and evolving expertise in infectious disease prevention. We have the most advanced controls available and can assure you that we are doing everything we can on a continual basis to minimize the exposure risks for patients and caregivers alike. Among the steps we have taken are:
- Strict daily screening protocols for patients and team members alike
- Face masks worn by everyone entering our facilities except when undergoing treatment
- Virtual visits via teledentistry where appropriate
- Altering patient schedules to allow for staggered arrivals, departures and treatment
- Restricting access to our facilities to necessary parties and personnel
- Modified reception procedures to avoid the need for patients to wait in our reception area
- Equipping our team members with proper PPE (personal protective equipment), including masks, head coverings, face shields, gowns and gloves
- Increased investment in technology and equipment, including combined UV/HEPA air purifiers in each of our treatment rooms and UV “scrubbers” on our air-handling equipment
- Running our air handling continuously to maximize air exchange up to eight times per hour
- Increased focus on and use of aerosol-reducing and non-aerosolizing equipment and procedures
- Increased staffing and training for rigorous, effective and intensified cleaning and disinfecting
- New non-aerosol hand pieces for all hygienists that provide for polishing without creating aerosol that can carry viruses and bacteria
- Cold-fogging several times a day with a solution of hypochlorous acid, an EPA-approved and extremely safe anti-viral that destroys viruses on contact, including those lingering in the air
- Disposable booties for all patients to cut down possibility of transferring pathogens into the office from patients’ shoes, and sanitization of footwear
- Increased handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout our facilities
Here is what a few of our patients are saying about our COVID-19 response:
“Szmanda Dental has a very friendly staff. I was impressed with the technique they have implemented to keep their clients safe with the COVID going on. Overall, it’s just a great place and I highly recommend it.” — Bonnie C. (August 16, 2020)
“Szmanda Dental staff took care of my urgent needs even through these difficult trying times of having the COVID19 pandemic on high alert. They took precautions by using hand sanitizers, extra care of ensuring patients felt safe by requiring masks of everyone and following CDC guidelines. . . ” — CCX03 (August 10, 2020)
“I just came from my 6 month checkup, the first since the pandemic began. I felt super safe and protected by the measures the staff at Szmanda has taken to keep us all safe while providing essential services. . . ” — Kathy S. (July 14, 2020)
“Very good dental experience. Extra care was taken to protect from virus exposure. . . .” — Doug C. (June 29, 2020)
“I was glad to see all the procedures Szmanda has put in place to keep both patients and staff safe during COVID-19.” ” — Traci W. (June 2020)
“Excellent care. Excellent precautions during COVID epidemic.” — Diane Y. (June 2020)
“It was obvious that upon my arrival, they had taken all precautions and measures to create a safe and pleasurable experience amid this pandemic, thank you Szmanda Dental Center staff, I look forward to my next appointment with a big smile!” — Jon R. (June 2020)
We work to earn your continued trust on a daily basis, and pledge to stay abreast of the latest developments in the fight against COVID-19. We are constantly searching the latest literature and research in the field for ways to improve even further for our patients and staff. Thank you for your confidence in us and we look forward to serving you.
Sincerely,
Paul W. Szmanda
President and CEO
Szmanda Dental Center, SC
715-443-2247
