Like most businesses in Quebec and Canada, Santé dentaire VMR had to close its doors on March 16, 2020, due to the pandemic. The clinic reopened on June 1, 2020 with very strict rules since hygienists and dentists are at high risk of contracting the virus.
Protocols to Reassure You
The entire Santé dentaire VMR team is working extremely hard to implement and use protocols and rules to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible. At the time of writing, no cases of transmission have been reported since the beginning of this pandemic, but the team remains extremely cautious considering the level of risk for dental health professionals.
Here are some of the measures that have been put in place at Santé dentaire VMR:
- All ventilation systems have been changed and air purifiers have been installed in every room of the clinic.
- Each professional is in compliance with personal protective equipment standards. These standards are likely to evolve, but dentists and dental hygienists have been wearing masks, visors or goggles, lab coats and caps. Of course, each patient has to wear his or her mask until he or she is seated in the room.
- Each patient is using a mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide which helps reduce the amount of COVID virus in the mouth.
- Plexiglas panels were installed in strategic locations, including the reception where the administrative staff works.
- Foot-operated door openers have been installed throughout to limit spread with hands.
- Everything is cleaned and sterilized regularly with a written protocol to standardize the work.
- A screening and monitoring system has been implemented at the time of appointment and when the patient arrives at the clinic.
- COVID-19 antigen tests are available at no cost to employees and patients.
Vaccination
The entire Santé dentaire VMR team is fully vaccinated. Vaccination is not mandatory for patients since we offer an essential service, but we support the vaccination campaign, which certainly helps reduce contagion. Dr. Rodriguez is a volunteer vaccinator at the Montreal Convention Centre. However, this does not mean that the team has relaxed protective measures. On the contrary!
Taking Advantage of “Free Time”
While the clinic was closed for several weeks, the Santé dentaire VMR team took the opportunity to become a “paperless” clinic. Each of the thousands of records accumulated over the clinic’s 40-year history was digitized. It was hard work, but it paid off because all patient information is now just one click away. This is another way for the Santé dentaire VMR team to be more efficient and improve each patient’s experience.
Take advantage of a secure location for your dental care needs and make an appointment now or check out the different services offered by our team of dentists.