COVID-19 & New Patient Guidelines for Office Re-Opening

New Guidelines for Dentistry of the Carolinas Patients

Effective May 13, 2020, DOC will return to business operations. Due to COVID-19, several of our policies and procedures will change to keep our patients and team safe.

1. Patient illness and rescheduling:  If the patient has had a fever of greater than 100.4 in last 24 – 48 hours, has a severe cough, been in contact with someone with flu-like symptoms or feels worn down, the patient will be required to reschedule their appointment.
2. Patient Reception Area & Check-In: The reception area is reserved for patients only. Patients under 18 can be accompanied by one parent or legal guardian.
   • Any additional non-patients will be required to wait outside the facility.
   • If you choose, you may wait in your vehicle and we will text/call when your room is ready.
   • Chairs in the reception area will be spaced 6 feet apart to allow for social distancing.
   • Our reception area will no longer offer magazines or beverages and will “look bare.”
3. Patient Precautions:
   • We request that each patient (and the accompanying parent), bring and wear a mask or face covering.
   • Upon entering our office, you will be asked to wash your hands.
   • During your appointment, you will be asked to remain seated.
   • Upon exiting the treatment room, you will again be asked to wash your hands prior to checking out at front desk.
4. Patient Screening:
   • At check-in, you will be asked to fill out a screening and consent form; and have your temperature taken
   • Certain dental procedures may require medical clearance prior to treatment.
5. Appointments & Scheduling: It is our goal to accommodate as many of our patients as soon as possible. We will be contacting patients directly that had to miss appointments during our office closure. Please be aware that we may not be able to honor all of your preferences for appointment times as we are trying to limit the number of patients in our offices at one time.

Please note:

• Thorough hand washing is the simplest and most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious disease. So, please wash your hands with soap and warm water often and after any skin-to-skin hand contact.
• Avoid touching your face whenever possible.
• Continue to practice proper oral hygiene as your oral health goes “hand-in-hand” with your overall health and well-being.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we will take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

Please call us with any questions you may have. Check out our list of locations here.