The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we live, probably forever. But, let’s not dwell on that. Instead, focus on moving forward, what your practice will learn through this process, and how it will come out on the other side better than it was before. You will experience changes in how patients schedule their appointments, show up to your practice, and wait for treatment, among other things. The most significant factor in all of this is – communication. Inform patients of changes your practice is making as you shift towards reopening.
Not sure what to say or how to say it? Our dental practice consultants have come up with a sample letter that you could use to let your patients know about what to expect regarding your practice changes. You can also download an editable version.
Dear (insert patient’s name),
We hope that you and your family are healthy and well. Our community has seen a lot of changes recently, but we all are looking forward to resuming a sense of normalcy. Of all the changes that have ensued, one thing remains certain: our commitment to your health and safety.
(Practice name) has always made infection control a top priority. Our team tailors each patient experience so that your dental care is both safe and comfortable. We want to make you aware of the infection control changes that we are making in our practice that will keep our team, and you safe.
Our practice is in compliance with the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Here are the changes you can expect to see as we navigate through a COVID-19 world. These changes were made with the safety of you and our staff in mind.
You will see these changes take place at your next appointment.
- You will be asked screening questions when you schedule an appointment. The same questions will be asked again when you arrive at our office.
- Appointments will be scheduled in a manner that allows us to maintain social distancing standards throughout the practice. This means that there will be fewer options when scheduling your appointment. Please be mindful of our cancelation policy.
- Please bring a face mask or bandana with you to your appointment.
- Until further notice, call our practice when you arrive at our office, and please remain in your vehicle until we notify you that you can enter for your appointment.
- Upon entering our practice, your temperature will be taken.
- We will ask that you use hand sanitizer that we provide when you enter the office.
- Check-ins will now be hands-free.
- Before beginning your appointment, you will be asked to rinse your mouth with a pre-rinse (hydrogen peroxide) that we provide to you. This rinse will cleanse surface microbials.
- At the conclusion of your appointment, we will request that you sanitize your hands again before entering our business area.
- All magazines, children’s toys, and such have been removed from our waiting room because these items cannot be disinfected thoroughly.
- Our goal is to allow more time between patients to reduce your wait time and the number of patients checking in or out.
- We also ask that only the patient being treated enter the practice. Please make arrangements for childcare, as children that aren’t being treated are not permitted to enter. If you need assistance walking to the building, the person with you may walk you to the front door, and then one of our trusted team members will help you from there.
We look forward to seeing your smile again. Should you have any questions about our new processes or need to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (enter practice phone number) or visit our website (insert link to Contact Us page of website).
We express much gratitude to you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
(Insert dental practice name)
This is certainly just one of many examples that you could use when communicating practice changes to your patients. During this challenging time, remember to stay positive, and that we’re all in this together!
Bryant Consultants has been providing training and consulting services to dental practices for more than a decade. Our goal is to help practices reach their full potential and thrive past the pandemic. If you would like to learn more, please call (877) 768-4799 for a complimentary one-hour consultation. Are you on social media? We are too! Please connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
