COVID-19 Policies and Practices

To all our friends and families,

The infamous 2020 year has caused a dramatic change in our way of life, and some of those changes have become our new normal. Our entire society has received a crash course in cross contamination and the lingering effects will be with us for years to come.

As always, your safety and health and that of our teams’ is our number one concern. The CDC issues infection control guidelines on a regular basis for all healthcare facilities including dental offices. Our office always strives to surpass CDC, WHO, OSHA, ADA, as well as NJ DOH recommendations to protect our patients, team members and the community. Strict infection control protocol has always been in place and continues. Our clinical team is constantly receiving additional training both in the classroom and on-site.

Our office has been at the forefront of implementing upgraded procedures and policies to ensure your safe visit. Before entering our facility, our staff will be pre-screening our patients via text, email, or phone call. Upon arrival, an updated questionnaire along with a contactless temperature check is conducted. Our check in and check out desks have been outfitted with acrylic barriers as an auxiliary safety measure.  Being one of the first offices in NJ to implement air purification, hospital grade systems can be found in every room to capture possibly infectious airborne particles. These medical grade HEPA filters have the capability of capturing particles down to 0.003 microns, the smallest particles that exist. In contrast, the corona virus is 0.1 micron. These high efficiency purifiers will help us re-new and turn over all the air in our office multiple times per hour. In addition, each operatory is outfitted with high powered extra oral suction machines that filter the aerosol through multiple hepa-13 filters and UV light sanitization.

The personal protective equipment (PPE) we use is designed to protect you our patient, from all contaminants and prevent any cross contamination. Our modern sterilization techniques and equipment are continually being monitored and maintained for effectiveness.

Our patient scheduling is designed to provide ample time for our team to clean and disinfect treatment rooms to maintain a safe environment. We also make every attempt to minimize social contact in our reception area. Our digital technologies lessen the amount of paperwork required.

And, for those patients seeking an alternative to in-person visits, we have made telehealth appointments available to any patient in need. If you would like to take advantage of this offering, you can request a virtual appointment by emailing us at info@smileloftwestwood.com and you will be provided with a secure link.

With these measures in place and ongoing infection control, we are offering the safest environment possible, in our offices, for our patients and team members alike.

Dental health is extremely important and effects your overall systemic health. We understand the concerns you will have when once again scheduling your biannual exams, however, your concerns are ours. As we protect you, we will also be protecting our team and their families. We are all in this together. If you should have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at any time. We are part of your healthcare team and we will always be here for you.

Yours in health,

Steve Malek, DDS