HD Orthodontics Updated Office Policies

Long Beach, CA – These last several months have been very trying times, both here locally and around the globe. As we begin a return to more normal habits and routines, we wanted to take the time to discuss some updated office policies. Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional orthodontic care in a safe environment. To that end, as our office is reopened for patients, we wanted to highlight some of the ways we are working to keep you as safe as possible.

HD Orthodontics follows strict infection control practices, as outlined by the California Department of Public Health (CADPH), American Dental Association (ADA), U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Healthy Administration (OSHA). We work hard to stay up-to-date with each of these agencies so that we can always be sure we are following any new rulings or guidance they issue. Our infection control standards are always current and adhere to any guidelines laid out by these agencies.

With that in mind, we are taking extra precautions now to help protect both our patients and our staff. You will notice some of these changes before you even set foot in our door.

1. Upon confirming your appointment, our scheduling coordinator will ask some screening questions. Once you arrive for your appointment, these questions will be asked again and your temperature will be taken. You will also be asked to sign a COVID-19 consent form and health questionnaire.
2. All team members will also be screened and have their temperature taken at the start of the workday. 
3. Hand sanitizer is available at reception and other places throughout the office. We ask that you use this when you enter and leave the office.
4. Please wear a mask while you are in the office. You will be asked to remove your mask once seated and ready for treatment.
5. Magazines will no longer be offered while waiting for your appointment. This is because they are difficult to sanitize and ensure they are clean between each patient. However, we do have iPads available by request which are sanitized in between each use.
6. Appointments are scheduled and managed to allow for proper social distancing. This may mean there are fewer available appointment times when scheduling future appointments, because we will be seeing less patients per day. It is very important that you are on time for all appointments as this policy means that we cannot accommodate late patients.
7. When you arrive at the office, please call us to let you know you are here. We ask that you wait in your car until we are ready for you so that we can ensure proper social distancing in our waiting room. We also ask that you refrain from bringing extra people, such as siblings, friends or additional relatives, to all appointments.
8. If parents wish to accompany their children during the appointments, parents will also be screened and have their temperatures taken. 
9. The front and back office will be disinfected at regular intervals throughout the day
10. We have added medical grade HEPA air filtration systems to our treatment areas, which remove 99.97% of airborne particles.
11. All staff members are required to wear masks, and our clinical team will be using enhanced PPE to ensure full protection of both patients and staff.

HD Orthodontics will officially reopen on May 18 and we look forward to seeing our patients. If you have had an appointment cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, please know that we are working hard to reschedule all of these appointments. If you would like to prioritize your appointment, please call us so we can schedule you as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We look forward to seeing everyone’s smiling faces again!!