Reopening Update
Posted on: May 27, 2020 by Michael Battell
Dear Patients, Family, Friends and Colleagues,
It has been a couple of months since COVID-19 came into our lives and changed the way of the world. It has not been an easy time for families, friends, loved ones, and businesses. As we've all been struggling to come to grips with the new "normal", I want you to know, you have never been far from my mind. I know some of you have been enduring unexpected and unwelcome situations, and possibly oral and overall health challenges. Thank you for being strong and helping where you could, even if that meant just staying at home. You made a difference.
Today is a good day. The Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario, Dr. David Williams, has given the go ahead for the gradual restart of health care services, including ALL (non-essential and essential) denturism care and services. We were contacted by the College of Denturists of Ontario (denturists' regulatory body) to notify us that we may restart our practice and begin seeing patients for all types of denture care.
I have been working steadily over the last few weeks to make adjustments to Battell Denture Clinic in anticipation of the enhanced protocols. Like most businesses you may have visited or plan to visit, things will be a little different, but these are positive changes in these unsettling times. I wanted to make sure I shared the added procedures that will properly protect everyone with you directly. We continue to maintain our absolute commitment to the health and safety of our patients, their family, colleagues, and our staff.
You will still see enhanced sanitization, plexiglass shields, physical distancing where possible, and clinic capacity limits among other recommendations. Appointments will be staggered to accommodate physical distancing and enhanced disinfection and sterilization practices. We will need to screen you by phone prior to your appointment and screen you again, and anyone you bring with you when you come to the office. As per the recommended public health guidelines, we are limiting non-essential visitors to the office. Of course, there are those who will need caregivers, family members or support workers to be present and we understand this may be required. Please remember we are looking out for you and your safety and will do what we can to help you. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate walk-in patients currently but offer booked appointments. If you require care or need to purchase denture cleanser, please contact the office by phone and we will arrange an appointment where necessary or a curbside pick-up time for denture cleanser.
I would again like to express my sincerest gratitude on behalf of all the staff of Battell Denture Clinic for your patience and understanding during the last couple of months. We are truly "all in this together" and we remain thoughtful and careful about what we do. I’m optimistic we will continue on a positive trajectory. We will be contacting patients over the next couple of weeks to arrange appointments for those that were missed or delayed because of the crisis. Please contact us by phone if you are in need of urgent care.
I really can't wait to see your smiling faces once again! Until then, please stay safe and well.
Warmest Regards,
Michael Battell, Hon. BA, DD
Battell Denture Clinic