Coronavirus and Patient Safety At Cook & Gutsche Orthodontics

During the COVID-19 pandemic, steps are being taken here at Cook & Gutsche Orthodontics to ensure the safety and health of our patients. Our patients’ well-being is extremely important to us. We have always complied with the most current and stringent infection control procedures, and are continuing to follow any revised standards recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association.

Steps We Will Be Taking To Ensure Patient Safety

Before this current COVID-19 pandemic, our dental staff regularly utilized personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks, eyewear, and gowns when needed. We will, of course, continue with that protocol and want to emphasize that we do have plenty of PPE available for our staff upon reopening.

We have been closely monitoring recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Dental Association, and we will be making specific adjustments to increase infection control protocol throughout our office.  Although ongoing continuing education in infection control has always been part of our office routine, our staff will receive additional training for any current recommendations or adjustments, including:

 

  • Ensuring social distancing by optimizing the distance between patients (and staff when possible) to 6 feet apart.
  • Utilizing a totally verbal and contactless check-in process.
  • Limiting the number of people in the waiting room to one family member per patient.
  • Allowing only patients in the treatment area.

Cook & Gutsche Orthodontics Is Here For Your Emergencies & Urgent Needs

With staff not permitted to enter our office at the current time, we are unable to monitor the office phones. In the case of an acute dental emergency, we have provided Dr. Cook’s phone number on the office’s voicemail. You can also reach out with any questions or concerns via email to cookstaff@greatorthosmiles.com.

Also, if you are turning an appliance, please stop turning but do continue to wear removable appliances (such as a lower expander) full time if possible. If you are wearing rubber bands, please wear them on a part-time basis, at bedtime only, until your next appointment. If you need rubber bands, we can replenish your supply conveniently and safely through the mail.

Continuing To Follow Current Guidelines

At this time we must continue to follow the mandates and guidelines of Pennsylvania Governor Wolfe, the Centers for Disease Control, the American Association of Orthodontists, and the American Dental Association. So, our office remains closed until we know it is safe to reopen.

Please continue to check back here on our website as we continue to monitor the situation and inform our patients. We know everyone is eager to proceed with their orthodontic treatment. Please know we are anxious too. We look forward to seeing all of you as soon as it is safe to do so. We wish you and your loved ones health and safety during these challenging times.