IImportant Information Regarding COVID-19

Last Updated: Wednesday August 5, 2020

We at Yorkville Toronto Dental Specialists sincerely hope that you and your family are in good health during these times that are anything but normal. We are happy to share with you that – in keeping with the guidance of the Ministry of Health – we have updated protocols and improved resources to provide safe and high quality dental care during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These protocols will allow us to effectively provide services now that the Ministry of Health has lifted the major restrictions that were introduced in March of 2020. While we have always upheld the high safety standards, we make these nuanced revisions out of a well-justified excess of caution, reflecting our commitment to your health and safety, as well as our commitment to ensuring a safe workplace.


Moreover, in our effort to exceed government safety standards, and to provide you with added security, we have equipped each room with a high-quality virus-filtering air purifier: the JADE air purifier from Surgically Clean Air has been called “The Word’s Best Indoor Air Purifier” and is extremely effective at capturing viruses and other air impurities. More information can be found here.

COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

Some procedural changes require your paticipation. We ask that you review this list of core changes:

  • A pre-visit COVID-19 screening questionniare is to be completed 2 to 3 days before your appointment. This questionnaire can be accessed on our website under “Patient Forms” or by clicking here
  • We ask you to arrive 10 minutes early for your appointment, as an in-person COVID-19 screening survey is conducted upon arriving in the office (to validate the pre-visit survey)
  • Hand hygiene (washing/sanitizing) is required for each person entering and leaving the office and clinical area
  • Entering the office can only be done when adequate social distancing can be maintained – you may be asked to wait in the hallway until there is sufficient space in our reception area 
  • A mask (medical or cloth covering your nose and mouth) must be worn from the moment you enter the office building (to be removed only during treatments/procedures)
  • Non-essential visitors are not allowed in the office and will be asked to wait outside (please inquire in advance if you need guidance) 
  • It is important to respect appointment times as late comers may be rescheduled
  • Seating capacity in the waiting room has been reduced to aid in physical distancing efforts. 
  • To prevent sharing germs, there are no longer shared materials in common spaces (magazines, toys etc) 
  • Increased use of protective gear by all staff, including during non-procedure times. 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

At all times our practice strictly adheres to, and exceeds the standards for infection control by wearing personal protective gear, using hospital-grade disinfectants, practicing the latest sterilization protocols, utilizing single-use disposable materials, and more. 

In recognition of ongoing and the continued spread of the COVID-19 virus, our office has expanded our cleaning of high contact surfaces and we are frequently disinfecting items in non-clinical areas such as the reception/waiting room, door handles, pens, clipboards, PIN pad machines etc. 

Symptoms of coronavirus are reported as flu-like, with varying degrees of severity. While we do not know everything about this virus to date, individuals who are elderly and/or immunocompromised appear to be the most at risk of a severe infection. To ensure your health and safety, and the health and safety of everyone at our practice, all patients are screened prior to their appointment for travel, COVID-19 contact history and cough, fever, and/or flu-like symptoms. Those who have symptoms, have travelled outside of Canada, or have had contact with a possible or confirmed COVID-19 case will be asked to defer their appointment until the 14 period of self isolation has passed, and when indicated until a COVID-19 test result is returned as negative. 

Similarly, all team members will remain home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after their fever, or symptoms have dissipated. Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, whom do not have a fever, are asked to stay home from work at least 4 to 5 days after the onset of symptoms or until a COVID-19 test result has returned “negative”. 

We have asked all team members manage any travel plans in accordance to The Government of Canada Travel Advise and Advisories. Team members considering travel outside of Canada are required follow the travel advice on the Government of Canada COVID-19 webpage and are required to complete the recommended 14 day self-isolation period prior to returning to work. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please view and share our latest COVID-19 Symptom Comparison Chart with your friends and family.

For further information, including measures to keep yourself healthy, visit the following links:

Contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, your local public health unit or your primary care provider if you’re experiencing symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Please do not call 911 unless it is an emergency.