COVID-19 Updates

Update June 5, 2020

We are closer to re-opening our mobile services for the community of Muskoka.

I will continue to improve access to preventive dental hygiene care in a safe, ethical and professional manner. As Regulated Health Care Professionals, Dental Hygienists are essential to your oral and overall health.

Muskoka Gentle Dental is an evidence based practice, where scientific foundations and best practices are always followed. Our dental practice will continue to adhere to our Regulatory Body who govern our profession, the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. Our office policy and procedure manual is current, actively updated; to implement new directions as released. Our office manual is considered a live document and as the C.D.H.O. recommendations change, revisions to these Covid- 19 guidelines will occur.

Our business follows the directives also mandated by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, our local Public Health unit and all provincial and federal laws.

Rest assured, I am prepared to coach all our clients’ and their families through this process. The environment of the dental office will be different and every dental professional will have to follow new protocols and procedures

There are new procedures and screening protocols that will be followed related to Covid-19. Our screening process will be a multi-step program that begins a with telephone screening. At point of arrival, I will be checking for signs of fever.

Increasing hand hygiene practices, wearing of masks when treatment is not being provided and social distancing measures will remain in place as directed by our provincial guidelines and the C.D.H.O. Our office is dedicated to provide care in a safe and effective manner.

All dental practices are regulated to protect the public, practitioners and all clients. We care about all individuals in our society. Returning to dental practice will be balanced in well-defined stages, re-opening progressively to avoid the transmission and spread of disease; health and safety is our top priority!

Muskoka Gentle Dental has made the responsible decision to suspend all visits at our home based clinic temporarily until further notice. Our office meets current guidelines having existing doors in our treatment and sterilization rooms. Related to Covid-19, we plan on working with a HVAC professional to test air exchange rates and purchase a medical-dental rated air purifier for our homebased office.
When ready, Muskoka Gentle Dental will provide strictly mobile services. Aerosols will not be produced until N95 masks can be fitted and available. Additional information regarding aerosol producing procedures will be explained to our clients; including how this may impact your oral care plan/appointment.

For the past 12 years, Muskoka Gentle Dental has been an innovative dental hygiene practice and will continue to evolve as needed. I am dedicated to the citizens in our community, I advocate for choice and strive for greater accessibility to preventative dental care for improved health outcomes.

Unless given the green light, all mobile providers will not be providing care in Long Term Care, Retirement communities or Group homes upon our initial re-opening. I will continue to pivot and move forward to ensure everyone can achieve a healthy smile. If I have not already contacted you, I’d love to connect with your family soon. Do you have an existing upcoming appointment or have you missed your dental appointment after March 15th 2020? I have you on the wait list! Muskoka Gentle Dental will continue providing dental hygiene care in the comfort of your own home in a safe and ethical manner.

Thank you everyone for your support, I look forward to seeing you soon!

In Health,
Sarah Robertson-Smith R.D.H.