Infection Control
INFECTION CONTROL
Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, families, our team members, and West Michigan community. In this unprecedented time, we are deeply committed to keeping everyone safe.
Air Purifiers
Now that we have returned to our office you will see some changes as we installed air purification units with medical grade HEPA-13 filters in our patient lounge and each treatment room to remove airborne viruses. We have also installed a an iWave in our office.
iWave is an air purifying device that installs in our ductwork for our heating and air conditioning system. When air passes over the iWave, ions produced by the device reduce pathogens, allergens, particles, smoke and odors in the air, creating a healthy environment without producing any harmful byproducts. iWave uses patented technology, called needle-point bi-polar ionization, to create equal amounts of positive and negative ions. When these ions are injected into the air stream, they break down passing pollutants and gases into harmless compounds like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapor.
When the ions come in contact with viruses, bacteria or mold, they remove the hydrogen molecules – without them, the pathogens have no source of energy and will die. The ions also attach to allergens like pollen and other particles, causing them to band together until they are large enough to be caught by your ventilation system’s air filter.
iWave’s technology generates the same ions that nature creates with lightening, waterfalls, ocean waves, etc. Nature uses energy and shear to break apart molecules, naturally cleaning the air and producing a healthy environment. The only difference between the iWave’s technology and nature is that the iWave does it without developing harmful ozone.
PPE Protective Gear
Our team is also wearing more protective gear than you are used to seeing while we are being thorough inquiring about your health during your upcoming appointments. Our office has always had two sterilizers instead of one, used the recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and performed disinfection to the degree that we have had an outstanding history of office safety throughout my 30+ year career.
Looking Out For Our Patients
The Grand Rapids Press had an article stating dental offices are charging for COVID protection.
"I am proud to say the iWave ionic generator, five hospital grade HEPA air filters, masks, shields, mouth rinses, and surface disinfects are not costing our patient family anything extra! At our dental office I am assuming the extra costs because I care about the health of my team and patient friends." ~ Dr. Brian
COVID-19 Best Practices
We encourage everyone to follow these best practices to keep yourself and others healthy:
- Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds, especially after visiting the restroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing or touching your face.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Maintain social distance (6 feet)
- Stay home when you are sick and keep your distance from anyone that appears to be sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with tissues (discard in the trash after use) and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue cough or sneeze into your elbow or shirt sleeve not into your hands.
- Use hand sanitizer frequently.
Our top priority is the health and well-being of our patients, families, our team members, and West Michigan community. In this unprecedented time, we are deeply committed to keeping everyone both safe and healthy.
Please contact our office to schedule your necessary treatment or to reschedule your appointment if you are coughing, sneezing, have a fever, are feeling unwell or have recently traveled to one of the high risk areas within the last few weeks.