With the recent news surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, we wanted to reach out and share precautions that are being taken for the health of our patients and staff.
Phoenix Endodontic Group is open for regular business, with normal hours. While there are currently no plans to alter hours, we will be sure to keep you informed of any changes. We look forward to welcoming you to our office, where there is no higher priority than health and safety.
The latest recommendations from the American Dental Association recommend Dentists postpone elective procedures for dental patients during the next three weeks. Phoenix Endodontic Group is an emergency based practice and we are pleased to welcome your patients that are in pain.
Our team is well prepared to care for patients in the safest manner possible. As part of our standard practice we use rubber dams during our endodontic procedures. The rubber dam has evolved from a system that was designed to isolate teeth to one of sophistication for the ultimate protection of both patient and clinician and is mandatory in root canal treatment. Salient advantages of using rubber dam in endodontics include patient protection from aspiration of endodontic instruments, tooth debris, medicaments, and irrigating solutions.
The rubber dam reduces the cross-contamination of the root canal system, and it also proves an excellent barrier to the potential spread of infection by keeping saliva out of the working zone so oral bacteria and viruses (such as the Novel Coronavirus COVID-19) are not aerosolized during the procedure. As a result, the placement of the rubber dam is considered the standard of care by professional organizations.
While the prevalence of the virus in our community is low at this time, our leadership team is staying up to date on public health recommendations and announcements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and other leading health organizations.
In support of the health and well-being of patients and staff, we are currently taking many precautions, including:
- Increased frequency of disinfecting high-touch areas
- Staff education and ongoing monitoring of CDC guidelines
- CDC-recommended general hygiene reminders posted in restrooms and other spaces
To prevent the spread of illness and align with CDC recommendations, we urge you to stay home when you are feeling sick.
For the most up to date information regarding Coronavirus symptoms, prevention and treatment, and frequently asked questions, we recommend the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Arizona Department of Health Services
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your appointment or if you will not be able to keep your scheduled appointment due to illness, please contact our office at 602-242-4745 to speak with a team member.
Phoenix Endodontic Group remains open daily and we look forward to seeing you at your appointment. Be assured that the well-being of our patients and community is of utmost importance to us.
Wishing you all good health,
Jacqueline S. Allen
Jacqueline S. Allen, D.D.S., M.S.
Susan L. Wood
Susan L. Wood, D.D.S
Diplomate, American Board of Endodontics
