Safeguarding your health and well-being is of paramount importance in our practice. In fact, infection control was a top priority for us even before the recent COVID outbreak.

While we have always strictly adhered to the infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH), and the New York State Dental Association (NYSDA), we have made some significant changes to further safeguard your health and safety while you’re in the office.

Changes We’ve Made To Safeguard Your Health

We have taken measures above and beyond the regulatory mandates and guidelines to fulfill our safety promise particularly in the area of air quality. To that end, we have invested in two unique air purification systems that eliminate airborne particulates (including viruses) and render the office atmosphere cleaner and fresher than ever before.  

System One is an extra-oral suction unit that removes high-volume aerosols at the source. This device sucks in aerosols as they are produced and is positioned next to each dental chair. It purifies the aerosols by streaming them through a number of filters, including a HEPA filter and an ultra-violet light chamber. System One eliminates most, if not all, dentally-generated contaminants.  

System Two involves six stand-alone air purifiers that draw in the surrounding air and purify it by way of several types of filtering screens, including a HEPA filter and a UV light chamber. An air purifier is in each treatment room and one is placed in the reception area. This excellent system has been in use since the SARS outbreak and is in use at Tufts and many other dental schools, as well as hospitals and commercial labs.  

While treatment is being delivered in an operatory, we close the door to isolate it from the common areas. This allows the air purifiers to operate at optimal efficiency to filter, sanitize, and purify the entire volume of air in the room every seven and a half minutes. 

Even More Safety Measures

• We may ask you to call us when you near the office so we can seat you promptly and avoid situations where social distancing could become a challenge.
  
  
• We are asking all patients to limit the number of companions that accompany them to their appointments.
  
  
• We request all patients follow proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
  
  
• You will be asked to wash or disinfect your hands when your dental appointment has concluded.
  
  
• If you have an appointment and are experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, or have any other concerns, you must contact us. We will gladly reschedule your appointment for when you are feeling better.
  
  
• For elderly or immune-compromised patients, please let us know in advance so we can provide additional personalized consideration.
  
  
• If you develop COVID-like symptoms shortly after your appointment, please let us know.

• We will reach out in advance of your appointment and to ask you a few screening questions. When you arrive, you’ll be asked the same questions again.
  
  
• Your temperature will be taken as soon as you step into our office.
  
  
• Upon arrival, you will be required to use hand sanitizer or thoroughly wash your hands.
  
  
• We have removed all magazines from the waiting room – they are very difficult to clean and disinfect.
  
  
• To minimize patient traffic we have been staggering appointments. That means you may be offered fewer options for your appointment than you are accustomed to. 
  
  
• We have reduced the amount of seating in our waiting room to ensure proper social distancing.
  
  
• More time is being scheduled between patients so we can thoroughly and properly disinfect the treatment rooms. This also reduces the waiting time for you. Our goal is to have zero patients waiting in the reception area at any given time.
  
  
• Please note: you are required to wear a mask upon entering the building and our office.

Our Commitment To You Is Resolute

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment so you will feel confident that choosing our practice for your dental care is a smart decision. 

Welcome to the practice!

Dr. Michael Sinkin