Welcome Back Plan at Beam Orthodontics

We are very excited to start seeing patients back in our office on Tuesday, May 26 and we have missed everyone so much! While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: we are 100% patient centered, including your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice below to keep patients and team safe. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We want to fill you in on some new protocols we have created in our office and inform you of all sterilization procedures we have put in place.

Please grant us patience as we navigate through rescheduling appointments. We will be working as many days per week as we can for the foreseeable future to ensure everyone gets back on track. Please let us know if you have any questions and as always feel free to call or text us with any questions at 760-390-6000.

Prior to your appointment…

• Within 24 hours of your appointment, you will receive a Patient Health Screening via text. We are using IntakeQ to securely allow you to complete this digitally. Please complete as soon as possible.
• On the day of your appointment, we will send you a second Patient Health Screening via text. Please complete before arriving.
• Please brush and floss your teeth before coming to the office as our brushing station will be closed .
• Our patient restroom will be closed - The building adjacent to ours does have a public restroom on the first floor that is easily accessible. Please ask a team member to direct you. If you have an emergency, please let us know.

When you arrive at BEAM…

• When you park, please stay in your car AND text us upon arrival (760-390-6000). We will advise you when to come inside.
• Anyone entering the office must have a facial covering or mask on.
• We will have hand sanitizer that you must use prior to entering the office.
• We will greet you and take you AND your child's temperature and ensure only the patient and one guardian enter the office.
• If all temperatures are under 100, We will walk you to your assigned treatment chair.
• Our waiting room will be closed. Parents should remain in the car unless your child is 10 or younger or on an initial visit.
• Your next appointment will be scheduled via text or phone call at the end of the appt.
• We will walk the patient back to your car.
• Dr. Schaefer, Luna, or Vanessa will text you a detailed explanation of what was done at the visit and what is happening at the next visit.

New protocols at BEAM…

• All team members will go through the same protocol “testing” as our patients, temperatures will be checked daily.
• We are drastically reducing the number of patients seen in the office to allow for the strictest infection control protocols and to comply with the American Association of Orthodontics standards.
• The following appointment types will be moved to be done virtually. We will contact you if this is applicable to you/your child.
  • Retainer Checks
  • Some appliance checks
  • Pre-Brace removal checks (if applicable)
  • Invisalign patients when applicable
  • Some Observation Appointments

Infection + Sterilization Protocols…

• Everything in the office will be disinfected multiple times per day. We are determined to us keep the most sterile environment possible.
• Items around the office (door knobs, bathrooms, countertops, etc.) will be wiped down every hour.
• Our coffee/snack bar will be closed. If you need water, please ask.
• We have ordered the following equipment to protect our team, you and your family:
  • Acrylic Shield for Front Desk Counter.
  • Enhanced PPE including Respirator Masks, Face Shields, and Gowns for Our Team.
  • A medical-grade, high-flow HEPA filtration units that will be throughout the office in addition to our office HVAC system.
  • We are installing glass privacy dividers/partitions between the 4 chairs in our treatment area.
  • Disposable Gowns and Washable Lab Coats for Team.
    
  • Our team and anyone inside our office will be asked to practice social distancing as much as possible.

We will continue to monitor the situation and adapt as needed to protect you, your families and our team; as that is our top priority. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@beamorthodontics) for the latest updates. We can’t wait to see you soon!

Thank you and stay safe! And LET IT BEAM!!!!!!

Dr. Schaefer, Diana, Deb, Alika Luna, and Vanessa