As your dental healthcare providers, we are doing everything we can to ensure the safety of our staff, patients, and visitors.

To do our part in reducing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are requesting that patients help by following these guidelines:

1. Complete the screening form WITHIN 24 HRS of your appointment. If you answer “Yes” to any questions, please call our office at (770) 521-2100 so we can aid in rescheduling your appointment.
   * If the patient or a member of the family has traveled outside of the state of Georgia, a minimum of 7 days back in the state of Georgia will be required prior to being seen in our office.
2. Brush/floss your teeth and use the restroom prior to leaving your home. The self-brushing area in our office is closed.
3. Do not drink hot or cold beverages within 30 minutes of your appointment.
4. No food or beverages are permitted in the office.
5. The patient is to enter the office promptly 5 minutes before the scheduled appointment time to observe schedule staggering and social distancing. Check-in directly at the front desk, where a member of our team will direct you where to wait.
6. EXISTING ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS: We ask that family members wait in their vehicle to observe social distancing – no waiting will be permitted in the reception area.
7. NEW ORTHODONTIC PATIENTS AND PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: We ask that, if needed, only one family member accompany the patient into the facility for their scheduled appointment – no additional people will be permitted in the reception area with these patients.
8. ALL individuals entering the facility must wear a mask or face covering, including patients. Do not remove your mask unless directed by office staff.
9. ALL individuals entering the facility will have their temperature taken and their hands disinfected.
10. Please call our office if you are running more than 5 minutes late. For no-call/no-shows, a $40 fee will be assessed and auto-drafted from the account on file the same date of the appointment.
11. The patient will be assigned their next appointment date and time prior to leaving the office. If you need to change the next appointment date, reply to the reminder sent to you.
12. If you have questions about the patient’s visit, clinical recommendation(s) or progress, please call or email (info@gaorthopedo.com) the office.
13. Please contact the office at (770) 521-2100 if the patient experiences COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days after the appointment.
14. Please take the time to explain these steps to younger patients so that they may know what to expect on the day of their appointment.

Our commitment to our patients and community are a top priority. If you do not feel comfortable coming to your appointment, please call to notify us and reschedule your appointment. We will work hard to accommodate anyone affected by the current situation. We are making it a point to avoid handshakes, hugs, etc. for the time being (please do not take it personally). We are closely monitoring the effect that COVID-19 may have in our area. We remain vigilant and are prepared to make decisions based on current recommendations of public officials. We will update you with any changes.

For now, here are some things you should know:

• According to the CDC: “For most of the American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.”
• The CDC is now recommending that anyone who has traveled to a Level 3 country – even if they don’t have any symptoms – to self-isolate for 14 days. As of March 9, 2020, these countries include China, Iran, Italy and South Korea. Instructions for self-isolation are on the CDC website here.
• For the large majority of patients who may have flu-like symptoms, testing for Coronavirus is still not necessary. There are many reasons why someone may have fever, cough, shortness of breath or gastrointestinal issues. If you have severe symptoms that are getting worse, go to an emergency room and mask yourself as soon as you can.
• If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to Coronavirus please contact your primary care provider via telephone or electronic means.

Finally, we all should be vigilant about the spread of germs – especially during cold and flu season. The best ways to protect yourself and those around you are to:

• Practice Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your bent elbow.
• Practice Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60% to 95% alcohol.
• Take Environmental Health Action: Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects like cellphones, keyboards and door knobs.
• If you have not received a flu shot, while it won’t protect from COVID-19, it is your best protection for the flu.
• Thank you for choosing Georgia Orthodontics & Children’s Dentistry as your dental healthcare provider. This situation is changing on an ongoing basis; we will continue to update you as new and pertinent information is available. We are doing all we can to keep you and everyone in our communities safe and healthy.