Welcome to the new reality

As a result of the global pandemic declared in March 2020, we were forced to make countless changes to the protocols and processes in our dental office. Thankfully, many of those adaptations have been rescinded, and while I think we all wish that this whole pandemic was behind us, unfortunately we will never go back to “how it used to be”.

As always, our clinic is required to follow the recommendations of our regulatory body (BCCOHP) and the BCCDC. Some of the guiding documents regarding Covid-19 have not been updated since July 19, 2022, but we are still required to follow them.

As such, these are the two main protocols that we and our patients are required to follow:

1. As most dentistry results in an “aerosol generating medical procedure”, our best defense and protection of you and our staff is to avoid treating patients who have Covid-19, or who have symptoms of respiratory disease such as Influenza or Covid-19. Because of this fact, pre-appointment screening is a requirement, and MUST be completed for all patients either by virtual/remote technology or by telephone. 

While it is a nuisance and while the texts you receive are sometimes not up to the current BCCDC recommendations, for everyone’s safety, it is essential that these screening forms be completed in a timely and truthful manner. We don’t want to see you if you have Influenza, COVID, RSV or a similar respiratory virus, if you have a virus, you’re probably feeling so crappy that you don’t want to see us either!

2. The BCCDC also states that “One of the best things you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.” While it is not practical to wash one’s hands at several places in the clinic, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is placed in strategic locations, and it MUST be used.

While there are other protocols that are not required or mandated, we will be following them for the time being, such as running our air cleaners in order to increase air circulation and to filter the air. There are also many “behind the scenes” protocols that we are required to follow, and we will continue to do so.

Other facts to be aware of:

Masks are no longer required in dental offices in BC, but if you would like a mask and do not have one, please ask Vanessa, Karin, or Jody for a mask.

And while there is equivocal evidence regarding the efficacy of pre-procedural rinses, we will continue to politely request that patients rinse prior to procedures that generate aerosols. Should you wish, you can decline this pre-procedural rinse.

We truly appreciate your patience and understanding now and moving forward.

Please know that we are doing our best to provide the care that you need, in a safe and responsible manner.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to discuss them with us.

With warmest regards,

Dr. David Rushka & team