Safety Protocols

COVID-19 Update as of August 25, 2020

To Our Wonderful Patients:

We hope that you and your family are staying healthy during these times. Holliday Orthodontics would like to keep you informed about our practice as much as possible.

Today, the governor has announced that a stay-at-home order will be in effect for two weeks on Oahu. The order allows essential businesses like healthcare services to remain open. Federal guidelines and the American Dental Association both define “healthcare services” to include dentistry as part of the essential infrastructure.

Holliday Orthodontics will remain open and continue to practice at the highest level of safety standards, adhering to the ADA Code of Ethics, CDC guidelines, and state regulations. We will continue strict screening for patients before entering our practice.   

• Please do not bring additional members of your family to appointments.
• We are only allowing patients in the clinic (exceptions are made for one parent/caretaker to accompany minor patients or the elderly/disabled).
• If you are being dropped off, please plan on waiting outside, not in our reception area; we are trying to minimize the number of people in the office.
• Please complete our COVID pre-screening form before entering.
• Do not enter without a mask. Temperature screening and hand sanitization are required for everyone entering the office.
• Please reschedule appointments if you do not feel well or exhibit any COVID symptoms.
• Please reschedule appointments if you live with someone who is sick or has recently tested positive for COVID-19.
• You are welcome to arrange virtual care options if you are uncomfortable or if you or someone in your household has a condition(s) that makes them particularly vulnerable.

Please know we are taking the same strict precautions for all employees of Holliday Orthodontics as well. Holliday Orthodontics understands that some patients may elect not to come in for their scheduled appointment.

We want you to know that we respect those choices and have virtual care options available for you. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Holliday Orthodontics and Team

Our Office’s Safety Precautions

To help prevent the transmission of all respiratory infections, including COVID-19, we adhere to standardized infection control measures, such as performing hand hygiene, providing tissues and no-touch receptacles to throw away used tissues, and offering facemasks to patients who are coughing.

We follow routine cleaning and disinfection strategies, using cleaners and water to pre-clean surfaces before applying an EPA-registered, hospital-grade disinfectant, as well as appropriate sterilization of all tools and equipment. We also use new facemasks and gloves for each patient per guidelines set by the FDA and CDC.

While our office already adheres to these standard precautions, there are several common-sense recommendations we are implementing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

• Screening patients for signs or symptoms of infection when we update their medical histories
• Making sure our masks, gloves, and eye protection are appropriate for the procedures performed
• Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including door handles, chairs, and bathrooms

If you have an appointment scheduled within the next few weeks, please contact our office if you experience any of the following:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Travel within the past 14 days to affected geographical regions

We will discuss your health status, the dental treatment you require, and whether or not visiting our office will be safe for you, our other patients, and our staff.

When you visit our office, we ask that you arrive on time for your appointment, rather than too early. This will minimize the amount of time you spend in our waiting room or reception area. If you have respiratory symptoms, we will ask that you wear a facemask.

How can you prevent contracting or spreading COVID-19?

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Do not use your hands.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Calling in advance will allow your healthcare provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility.

If you would like more information about our office’s dedication to your health and safety, please give us a call. For more information about what you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit the World Health Organization website.