COVID-19 Update to Our Patients

March 20, 2020  

Dear Patients,

Your health and well-being are our top priority, now and always. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, we are closely following and adhering to precautions advised by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We want to assure you that we are taking continuous steps to ensure that our office remains a safe place for every patient. It’s important for you to know that dentists are experts in infection control. For instance, we have been trained to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as flu, HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. The precautions we take every day will also help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

We follow precautions developed by the CDC to protect both health care personnel and patients. We sterilize all instruments after each use and clean each dental operatory after each patient visit, using surface disinfectants that kill all known infectious diseases, including coronavirus. Dedicated hand washing and one-time use disposable materials also help maintain a safe environment for our patients. Our staff are regularly trained in these procedures.

Working with our facility managers, we’ve ensured that our cleaning team has a sufficient stock of supplies. We have asked them to apply additional focus and time on cleaning door handles, faucets, and other items with high-traffic hand touches.

Seeing your dentist is a vital investment for your general health. Our office remains open to care for our patients following the above guidelines. If you have a fever, are exhibiting symptoms of respiratory illness, or have had recent contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you may be a risk to other patients or staff members. If you are experiencing fever (greater than 100.4), cough, or shortness of breath, please remain at home and contact your primary care physician immediately.

We have removed magazines in our waiting area, so we encourage you to bring a book or magazine of your own. If you would prefer to wait in your car, please give us a call to let us know you’ve arrived, and we can call you when your treatment room is ready. If you would like to reschedule an upcoming appointment or talk through any concerns, please feel free to contact our office by phone at 281-378-3331 or by email at info@distinctdentalhouston.com.

Remember, the best way to protect yourself and your community is with everyday preventative actions, like washing hands often and disinfecting surfaces regularly. These actions will help minimize and slow the spread of the coronavirus. For the most up-to-date information and guidance, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

Sincerely,

Dr. Rafiei