Sandy Springs Dentists Navigate Covid-19

There are extraordinary circumstances dentists and their patients face navigating the COVID pandemic.

The safety of patients, dentists and dental team members has been and always will be the Right Smile Center’s utmost concern.  And the cost of infection control procedures has skyrocketed and dental offices are facing a significant financial challenge navigating this environment.

Further, costs of personal protective equipment (PPE) including N95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, gowns and shoe covers, has increased due to supply shortages with prices variable across the nation. Operatory protective barriers, protective equipment for front office staff, additional disinfection protocols and other administrative or engineering controls (e.g. isolation systems, air purifiers, filters, etc.) are adding overhead for dental offices, not to mention being closed to “elective” procedures for almost 3 months.

Given these interim protections, the Right Smile Center anticipates that the cost for each patient visit will substantially increase for procedures performed in the dental office. And in response, third party benefit programs (i.e. insurance companies) should either (1) adjust the maximum allowable fees for all procedures or (2) allow a standard fee per date of service per patient to accommodate the rising costs of PPE.  Not doing so is deemed an automatic reduction in our reimbursement rates.

When adjudicating such claims, the Right Smile Center believes that it is inappropriate for any third party benefit program to unfairly place the cost burden on dentists by disallowing or bundling charges for PPE on the pretext that the payment for additional required PPE is included in the payment for any other procedure billed for the visit. They know that denied claims are typically billable to the patient, but they also know that we, as dentists do want to charge you for the needed protections that should be covered by your insurance carrier.

Dentists deserve better and we hope you understand the position we have been put in by the insurance companies during these difficult times.  We know it’s time consuming, but please take the time and make the effort to contact your insurance company or elected officials and express your concern for your dentist having to absorb these necessary costs. As of this writing, we have not increased our charges one dime.  We have absorbed the costs, including being shut down for almost 3 months.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Sandy Springs Dentist Open for Business

Dentistry has always been at the forefront of infection control dating back to the outbreak of HIV in the ‘80’s.  So this isn’t the first time we have faced a virus outbreak.  Examples of past outbreaks are SARS in 2003, bird flu in 2004, swine flu, the H1N1 virus in 2009 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012.  And dentistry did quite well in protecting their patients and their staff, and to a greater degree than other industries.

Yet the scope and severity of the current pandemic has strained us like never before.  What you are seeing and what we are controlling is a global pandemic that has spread faster and killed more people in the U.S. than anywhere else on Earth, with more than 2.5 million infected and more than 140,000 deaths so far. But there is not one case of Covid-19 reported as a result of visiting the dentist, more than likely because of our rigorous protocols developed in our office over the past 25 years.

It’s not only safe to come to our office,  it’s to your benefit to maintain your oral health because of how it is linked to your global health.  British researchers have found a link between poor oral hygiene and severity of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.[1]  Going on a regular basis will help to keep your oral health on track as well as detect any early problems such as periodontal disease, oral cancer or cavities.  The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis coupled with brushing your teeth and drinking fluoridated water.

 Contact us for you next appointment. We promise to do everything we can to insure your safety in these difficult times.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.comwww.rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] The study from researchers Victoria Sampson, from the dental practice 38 Devonshire Street, London, Nawar Kamona from the Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Management (CNELM), London and Ariane Sampson from Orthodontics, Cambridge University Hhospital Trust, United Kingdom collaborated to find the connection between the severity of the infection and poor oral hygiene. Their study titled, “Could there be a link between oral hygiene and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections?” was published in the latest issue of the journal British Dental Journal.

Covid and Dental Insurance

The Dental Care System is MORE Broken since COVID. The insurer-controlled dental care system has been broken for years! And now, a model that did not work prior to COVID-19 is only getting worse. Patient distancing has forced lower patient volumes and decreased production, while the cost of PPE and infection control further misaligns practice costs and PPO reimbursement. Can your dentist be profitable on our existing PPO fee schedules and terms with a 25-35% decline in production and a 5-10% increase in costs? What happens when PPOs lower your dentist’s fees next year and subsequent years? 

We know you would like to see the cost of delivery come down, but it’s not.  In the new Covid environment it costs more to deliver your dentistry and the insurance companies are fighting dentists tooth and nail to deny these increases in delivery.

We need your help in pushing back on your insurer.  You need to contact your insurance commissioner and let them know your needs are the same, but your coverage is under attack and being reduced by the powerful insurance controlled dental care system.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road,

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Dunwoody Dentist: Covid-19 and Oral Dental Health

Good oral hygiene has been recognized as a means to prevent airway infections in patients, especially in those over the age of 70”. Those with periodontal disease are at a 25 percent raised risk of heart disease, thrice the risk of getting diabetes, and 20 percent raised risk of getting high blood pressure, the researchers wrote. These are all risk factors of severe COVID-19.

British researchers have found a link between poor oral hygiene and severity of COVID-19 disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.[1]

The authors of the study found that during lung infection, there is a risk of aspirating the oral secretions into the lungs, which could cause infection. Some of the bacteria present in the mouth that could cause such infections include “Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia”.

They explained that periodontitis or infection of the gums is one of the most prevalent causes of harmful bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria lead to the formation of cytokines such as Interleukin 1 (IL1) and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), which can be detected in the saliva and can reach the lungs leading to infection within them. Thus, the study concluded, “inadequate oral hygiene can increase the risk of inter-bacterial exchanges between the lungs and the mouth, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and potentially post-viral bacterial complications.”

Going on a regular basis will help to keep your oral health on track as well as detect any early problems such as periodontal disease, oral cancer or cavities.  The best way to maintain good oral health is to visit your dentist on a regular basis coupled with brushing your teeth and drinking fluoridated water.

And like I always say ‘the best toothbrush is the one you use’.  So please, if we can help feel free to call us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Scheinfeld, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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[1] The study from researchers Victoria Sampson, from the dental practice 38 Devonshire Street, London, Nawar Kamona from the Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Management (CNELM), London and Ariane Sampson from Orthodontics, Cambridge University Hhospital Trust, United Kingdom collaborated to find the connection between the severity of the infection and poor oral hygiene. Their study titled, “Could there be a link between oral hygiene and the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections?” was published in the latest issue of the journal British Dental Journal.

Our Sandy Springs Dental Office is Safe

No cases of COVID-19 traced to dental offices so far

Despite the potential risks, the good news is that both the World Health Organization and the CDC say there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmitted in a dental office so far. And that includes follow-up by the CDC of news reports suggesting such infections.

And yet, dentists know at least some patients continue to be worried enough to stay away, even if they’re in pain or overdue for important procedures such as gum surgery. Our office is about as safe as you can get, which is a derivative of the infection controls implemented decades ago during the HIV period in the ‘80’s. Now as then, there have been no cases of infection traced back to a dental office.

Unfortunately for us, weekly surveys by the American Dental Association of dental practices nationwide consistently find that our volume of patients has only reached 65% to 70% of pre-COVID-19 levels as of July.

Delaying checkups or care for dental pain can potentially turn a small cavity into a root canal or tooth extraction and add to treatment time, higher costs and even more pain.   And in rare cases, missing out on dental care can result in serious infections and even certain problems involving your global health.

You need to know that protecting the health of others working in the office is paramount to our entire team. Technically, it’s the dentist and staff that are at risk, because we are not sure where the patients have been and who they have been in contact with. So please understand we take an abundance of caution according to the guidelines when it comes to treating our patients and making sure our team is also safe.

Please note, that we all have important responsibilities as patients, too, to let our staff know before or on the day of the appointment if you’re feeling sick in any way. We’re all in this together — if you’re sick, stay home. But if you’re healthy don’t miss your opportunity to stay healthy by maintaining your oral health.  Contact us for you much needed care.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna, Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Dentist Sandy Springs: We Will See You Now.

Dental offices were largely shuttered across the Georgia after being advised in March by the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to close their practices to all but emergency care.  Many have closed entirely.

The hope was that by allowing dentists to continue to treat serious cases, those patients would stay out of hospital emergency rooms, where medical workers were busy treating severely ill Covid-19 patients. And because the personal protective gear dentists and other health care providers need was in short supply, routine dental checkups and cleanings were deemed nonessential at least initially.

Despite all the potential risks, the good news is that both the WHO and the CDC say there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmitted in a dental office to date. 

Although a weekly survey by the ADA of dental practices nationwide found that the volume of patients had reached 65% of pre-COVID-19 levels as of June 22, we know at least some patients continue to be worried enough to stay away, even if they’re in pain or overdue for important procedures such as gum surgery.

Delaying checkups or care for dental pain can potentially turn a small cavity into a root canal or tooth extraction and add to treatment time, higher costs and even more pain,

Remember, dentists have a vested interest in taking all possible precautions. We are typically 12 to 18 inches away from our patients, and to do our work we have to lean close in to what currently is the most infectious part of a person if they have COVID-19 — their mouth.

Remember, infectious disease specialists note, that we all have important responsibilities as patients to let the dentist know before or on the day of the appointment if you’re feeling sick in any way. We’re all in this together, so if you’re sick, stay home. Contact us and reschedule.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

Sandy Springs Dentist: Are We Safe Now?

Dental offices are and always have been some of the safest spaces for treatment. The profession has been well aware of proper infection control practices for many, many years.

The fact is, nobody likes change. We settle into a routine with our care, and we’d prefer to keep it that way. However, none of us can control circumstances that necessitate change, so we have changed some of the ways in which we practice so we can maintain safety for us and for you. 

There was a similar situation in the mid-80s when the AIDS virus was identified. As an ’86 graduate, my new training mandated gloves, mask, or protective eyewear. I adapted to the new level of PPE back then, as I will eventually adjusted to the new mandates Covid-19 dictates today.

Our use proper PPE, use pre-procedural rinses, and the installation of high evacuation systems, will help us remain safe during this pandemic and beyond.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every person in every state, and I think it is safe to say that all of us are having the same troubling thoughts that you might be having.

So now, we must practice to the highest levels of infection control, not because we have evidence of the virus in aerosols but because we don’t have evidence that it is not transmissible in the aerosols that come from our patient’s mouth. As a result, we also mandate that our patients wear masks except for when their actual dental procedures are occurring. We take your temperature, ask you to rinse with Chlorohexidine and wash your hands before we take you back for your care.

Our patients need us, and the care we provide helps them live a healthier life. We feel it is a noble calling. So please don’t be afraid.  Contact us to keep up your oral health care.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

and

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

COVID-19: What to Expect: Sandy Springs Dentist

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things about our daily lives. Your regular visits to the dentist have changed, too. We  are reopened and seeing patients for non-emergency appointments. Here’s what you can expect at your next appointment.

Before Your Appointment

To help make sure that patients arriving for their appointments are healthy, we ask you some questions about your current health.  We also ask that you limit the number of people you bring to the appointment.  That could mean leaving your children at home or allowing older children to go into the office alone while their parent waits outside during their appointment.

At Your Appointment

We are requiring people to wear masks in public, so be sure to wear one to your appointment. When you arrive at the dental office, you may be asked to wait outside until we’re ready for you. This will reduce the number of people in the office and reduce the amount of time you’re close to other people. When you enter the office, we have your temperature taken.

Inside the office, we ask that you wash your hands and gargle.  And you may notice things people often touch in the waiting room – like toys or magazines – have been removed. We have hand sanitizer available for you to use and may wipe down items you touch, such as pens, clipboards or furniture.

When you’re in the dental chair, you may notice some things look different from the last time you were there. We have covered the computer’s keyboard with a disposable cover so it can be easily cleaned between patients as an example. We may also be using different protective equipment than they’ve used at previous appointments. This could include different masks, face shields, gowns and goggles. These additional precautions help protect you, me and our staff.

After Your Appointment

After your appointment is over, the staff will thoroughly clean the areas where you’ve been using disinfectants that are effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 to prepare for the next patient. This helps reduce the risk of illness being passed to others.

If you start feeling ill with the symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of your appointment, call the dental office. You may have already been carrying the virus at the time of your appointment, so anyone who came into contact with you during that time could be at risk for getting sick too.

Remember, regular dental visits are an essential part of your overall heath. Be sure to reschedule your dental checkups. Our ADA dentists will make sure your visit is as safe as possible for everyone involved.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

ZoAnna Bock, MS, DMD

Hanna Orland, DMD

Howard Abrahams, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404-256-3620

And

3781 Chamblee Dunwoody Road

Chamblee, GA 30341

770-455-6076

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com