Newsletter

H1N1 Update

In light of the recent H1N1 scare, Callingwood Orthodontics has taken all precautions neccesary to protect both staff members and patients against this virus.  When you come to our office, you can expect  exceptional attention to infection control.  The following measures either already existed or have been implemented in our office.

 1. Visual Alerts

Visual alerts have been placed on the doors and common areas of the office instructing patients and those who accompany them reschedule their appointments and or inform the staff if they have the following symptoms:  Cough, fever, or flu-like symptoms.  Hand sanitizer has been made accesible near the on deck sign in for patient use.  Tissues can be located in the brushing area and at each sink in the treatment area along with no-touch receptacles for used tissue disposal. 

2.  Droplet Precautions

Each of our assitants have been advised to observe droplet precautions along with our standard precautions when examining any patient.  Our staff members wear masks when examining a patient and may wear safetey glasses depending on the procedure.  In addition to scrubs the staff may be wearing disposable surgical gowns in the treatment areas as additional personal protection and to precent the spread of any virus’ in our staffroom.   

3. Asepsis

Asepsis is the procedures used to reduce the number of microorganisms and prevent their spread. Examples include hand washing and "no touch" dressing technique.  The following are some examples of our standard protocol: 

• Our staff are provided with numerous locations for hand washing and also the use of hand sanitizer.  They understand the importance of following hand washing protocol.
• Each chair, cart, countertop, and any surface touched will be double wiped with a 1 minute turberculocide, bactericide and virucide between each patient. 
• All instruments will be sterilized between each patient use.  They are wrapped to ensure there is no contamination of these instruments before patient use.
  
• Our sterilization area is divided into a dirty side for used instruments and a clean side for those that have been sterilized.  Protocol in this area is strictly followed. 
  
• Each of our sinks are cleaned and disinfected on a daily basis.
  
• Gloves will be worn during patient care but will not be used to dispense clean items (they will be removed before going into any drawers or cupboards). 
  
• Our front desk and on deck sign in areas are disinfected on a daily basis

4. Protocol for sick staff

Staff who are experiencing symptoms of cough, fever, or flu-like symptoms will not be allowed to come to work until their symptoms have improved or they have permission from their physician.  We appreciate your patience in this matter as it may result in the rescheduling of appointments.