Dear Tooth & Co Families and Patients,
As the facts and situation around COVID-19 (coronavirus) continue to evolve, and in step with Governor Tim Walz’s recent Declaration of a State of Emergency, the Minnesota Dental Association (MDA) and the Minnesota Board of Dentistry made their recommendation on Monday, March 16th, that dentists practicing in Minnesota voluntarily suspend nonessential, or elective dental care for the next 14 days. As always, it is expected that dentists continue to be available as needed for emergency care and services and we want you to know that we are here for you at Tooth & Co. If your child experiences any discomfort related to their mouth, be it due to caries, trauma or else, don’t hesitate to call the office number. We will triage and treat accordingly. Tooth & Co is your dental home.
This temporary change is done out of an abundance of caution during this historic public health emergency. As health care professionals, we all have a role to play in "flattening the curve" in order to follow sound, scientific public health advice to help limit infections and slow the spread of the virus. The best resource for up-to-date information on COVID-19 is the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html The CDC website is updated daily and contains truthful, scientific information that individuals and families can trust.
Until further notice we will implement a few changes in the clinic in order to reduce the potential spread of infection.
· We have removed the toys, stuffed animals, books, magazines, and stickers/treats.
· We thoroughly and frequently clean items that can be cleaned in the common areas, including furniture.
· To reduce exposure, we ask that you wait in your car until your appointed time.
· We ask that you sanitize hands upon entry. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
· We require that you limit family members attending visits in order to minimize hand contact and unnecessary touching.
What we will not change is our customary and very strict daily infection control protocols and procedures which keep our patients and staff safe from the spread of illness and disease. We hope to reopen with a regular schedule as early as Monday, March 30th, but will monitor this ever-changing situation and continue to adhere to the latest recommendations by the state. One of our staff members will be contacting you in the coming days in order to reschedule your appointments. Please call if you have any questions or emergencies and we will assist you as promptly as possible. We want to thank you for your understanding during this time and wish you and your families the best.
Dr. Ellie Sakhi