To our valued (and dearly missed) patients, 

         I sincerely hope that everyone is well and doing ok through this very difficult time in our world.  I have been very fortunate in my ability to maintain all my staff with job furloughing while we wait out this storm.  All of us at Diane Jenkins Periodontics are healthy, and eager to get back to providing care to our patients and looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.     

         In the interest of preparing for a near future opening, I have implemented several new protocols and practices in my office.  This is done to protect you, and my staff.  Please know that we were already practicing stringent disinfection and sterilization practices before COVID.  Our new and additional efforts to maintain a safe office environment will include the following:

• Limiting the number of patients in the office at any time. 
• Patients should plan to come alone to appointments, unless they are being sedated or need a companion (Special needs, minor, ect..) All companions will be asked to wait in their cars if possible. 
• Strict monitoring of employee/doctor/patient temperatures. 
• Social distancing measures amongst the staff at all times (staff will take lunch breaks in their cars/outside).  
• COVID questionnaires for ALL patients to complete.  
• Asking our patients to call our office when they have arrived for their scheduled appointment and remain in their car until we are ready to seat them.  
• Physical plexiglass barriers installed at the front office windows for patient check in and check out. 
• Regular disinfection of “common” areas and items such as counter tops, ink pens, including wiping the door handle into and out of the office by one of my staff after every patient leaves and before the next patient arrives.  This would include door handles in the patient restroom.  
• Encouraging patients to leave personal electronic devices in pockets, purses or bags while in the office to limit the number of items touched.  
• Hand washing/hand sanitizer by both patients and staff before AND after the office visit. 
• Personal protective wear (PPE) for staff including N95 masks for critical tasks (things which create aerosol) and full-face shields/eye wear to ensure safety.  Regular Level 3 masks will be worn for non-critical tasks (exams, post op appointments). Hair covers will also be worn by the staff doctor during every appointment. 
• Staff will verbally greet patient and seat patient wearing clean PPE.  
• Once a patient is seated in the operatory for their appointment, the staff/doctor may not leave the operatory without first removing all PPE.  
• Additional doors installed inside the office to create even more separation of clinical verses non-clinical areas.  
• All non-patient guests (reps, service people) will be required to call before coming to the office. 

Please contact me directly with any questions or concerns.  These measures will be implemented immediately, and additional measures may be instituted based on the recommendations of OSHA, CDC, ADA and DHEC for best practices.  

I am available for any patient of record for dental emergencies and will communicate with your dentist on any visits we may have.

Wishes for best health for you and your families…we can’t wait to see you all again!

Dr. Jenkins and Staff

864-752-8757 (cell)

diane@diandjenkinsperio.com