Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and we look forward to seeing you; our patients and families. We want you to know that we are committed to your health and safety in addition to providing exceptional care.

Danforth Children’s Dentistry (DCD) has always followed strict infection control standards, however, we want to update you on the implementation of additional measures to keep us all safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as special masks (ie level 3 masks or N95 masks), gowns and face shields, will be worn by dentists and staff during treatment.
• Daily screening for symptoms and temperature checks will be completed for all DCD staff prior to seeing patients.
• Staff schedules will be modified to maintain physical distancing.
• We will stay up-to-date on any new guidance during this pandemic and incorporate these updates into our daily practice.
• Appointments have been adjusted to ensure that we abide by the physical distancing guidelines and to allow time for proper cleaning and disinfection.
• We will call you 24-48 hours prior to your scheduled appointment to ask several pre-screening questions. This will be an opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have. If we are unable to contact you for your pre-screen phone call, your appointment is at risk of being cancelled.
• There will be a “virtual waiting room”. When you arrive for your appointment, please remain in your car, and call us. When we are ready for you, we will call to notify you. If you are arriving by public transit or walking to the office, please call us before you leave so we know when to expect you. When you arrive at DCD, we may ask you to wait outside until we are ready for you.
• We kindly ask that only one adult caregiver accompany patients to their appointment. Children not scheduled for an appointment should please stay at home or remain in the car with appropriate supervision.
• Everyone entering the office that is over the age of two (2) will be expected to wear a mask.
• Upon entry to the office, all adults and children will be provided hand sanitizer, screened for symptoms, and have their temperatures taken. Appointments will be rescheduled for any person (patient or guardian) having a temperature greater than 38 degrees Celsius.
• Our waiting room and treatment rooms have been cleared of toys, books and games as these items are difficult to fully disinfect.
• Automated hand sanitizer stations are available for use in the reception area and outside all treatment and hygiene rooms.
• Additional HEPA air filtration has been included in each of our five enclosed treatment and hygiene rooms with Austin Air Canada to maximize air changes per hour.
• Prior to all dental treatment (e.g. fillings, cleanings), we will be using a 60 second rinse or toothbrush with 1% povidone-iodine mouth rinse for the reduction of potential viral load in the oral cavity and to minimize risk for patients and staff.
• If your child is coming in for a routine dental cleaning, please be aware that we are making every effort to minimize the creation of aerosols. This means that we will use hand instruments to remove the plaque and tartar on your child’s teeth (which cannot be removed with regular toothbrushing) and then we will cleanse the teeth with wet gauze, toothbrush and toothpaste. If you prefer not to have a dental cleaning, please let us know.
• At the end of the appointment, virtual checkout and online payment will be encouraged.
• We will still have virtual consultations available to families that utilize PHIPA and PIPEDA compliant technology if desired.