Welcome Back! Quality Care Provided Safely.
We are so excited to be welcoming you to the office of Nicole E. Pagonis DDS and look forward to seeing each one of you very soon! Dr. Pagonis and her team would like to highlight some of the additional precautions, protocols, and services that will be combined with your routine and restorative dental appointments.
AS OF JANUARY 2023, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REQUIRE MASKS and TEMPERATURE CHECKS.
First and foremost, we are committed to providing you with friendly, caring, exceptional dentistry in an upbeat and positive way. Dr. Pagonis and her team strive to provide excellent clinical dentistry with a clear focus on systemic health, ideal function, and aesthetically beautiful smiles. This will continue to be our focus.
PLEASE WEAR A MASK UPON ARRIVAL. If you do not have one, we will provide you with one. Please wait outside and we will promptly waive you in and take your temperature. If you are not greeted within a few minutes please enter, use hand sanitizer and make the team aware you have arrived! Have a seat and we will be with you as soon as possible. Thank you for your support in our efforts.
What is happening at Dr. P’s?
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As you know, this global pandemic has been life-altering on many levels. Routines have been disrupted, unemployment increased, and uncertainty is a common theme among everyone. Keep in mind that the one constant through all of this is a dental office's unique training and readiness to be faced with contagions, pathogens, aerosols, bacteria, and viruses. Throughout the years, dentistry has had to evolve and adapt. Historically, being at increased risk when treating patients in close proximity to the oral cavity. Please be assured that during this time Dr. Pagonis and her team have spent countless hours preparing for your return by elevating both our knowledge and skills and elevating our standard of care. We are extremely prepared to receive you back into our practice.
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Dental Professionals are highly trained in the area of Infection Control. This begins early in our education and is required to maintain licensure in the state of California. Dr. Pagonis’ team is uniquely qualified by continuing to employ Mandy McFarland. Mandy is not only a registered Dental assistant, and a registered Dental Hygienist but is also a board-certified instructor specializing in Infection Control in the Dental Setting. In addition, numerous adjunctive educational courses have been taken to ensure that any and all precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of employees and all clients.
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Disinfection and sterilization procedures occur between all patients and routinely throughout the day. Comprehensive training has been completed to provide team members with best practices and resources to keep the patient care setting as safe as possible for clients and staff.
What you can expect Prior to Your Appointment?
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As you approach the building and head to the office be sure that you have a face mask, as they are required. If you do not have one, one will be provided. Please WAIT OUTSIDE the office and we will waive you in. We will greet you, as we are anticipating your arrival. If you have not been greeted within a few minutes prior to the appointment time, please enter, use hand sanitizer, and have a seat.
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When possible please do not bring additional family or friends with you unless they have an appointment to be seen. Our waiting room is small and we want everyone to feel comfortable.
What you can expect During Your Appointment?
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In addition to the Standard Precautions already adhered to by dental professionals, Dr. Pagonis has implemented the following: Staggered appointment times and minimized aerosol production.
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Additional stand-alone vacuums for Aerosol Retrieval and Medical Grade Air Filtering systems have been installed. Dr. Pagonis has purchased additional air filtration to ensure we exceed current recommendations.
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Staff will be wearing increased protective equipment to ensure your safety and theirs. Please know that this is not comfortable for them, so please assist them in any way to help smoothly execute your appointment.
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Prior to any treatment patients will be asked to rinse with a hydrogen peroxide-based solution to help minimize the bacterial and viral count in the mouth. Longer appointments may require additional rinses.
What can you expect After Your Appointment?
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Following your appointment, you may be asked to be seated briefly. You will leave promptly when advised to do so, to minimize interaction with staff and other clients.
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If necessary we will quickly collect payment and schedule any follow-up visits. We may choose to call you if needed to do this. You are also welcome to call and follow up with any additional questions or concerns.
All The Extras:
Dr. Pagonis is continually reevaluating the situation regarding infection prevention within the dental setting. Dr. Pagonis has employed both an appointed Environmental Infection Control Assistant and a Dental Board of California-approved Infection Control Educator. These team members support Dr. Pagonis daily in efforts to exceed the Infection Control Standards and ensure compliance. Additional measures are taken daily to routinely disinfect all frequently touched surfaces both in and outside of the clinical workspace.
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Peroxyl Hydrogen Peroxide Preprocedural Rinse, to decrease potentially harmful bacteria and viruses present in saliva that may become aerosolized will be used prior to each procedure.
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Surgical grade High-level Stage 4 HEPA Filtration covering all square footage of the office- Healthmate Plus. Dr. Pagonis has purchased twice as many as recommended for the square footage of the office and they are routinely being used.
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You will find aerosol and droplet minimizing high evacuation suctions for intraoral use. Including, the Nu-Bird HVE Mirror System during routine cleaning appointments.
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The ADS EOS Extraoral Dental Suction System minimizes aerosols that may contain potentially infectious agents. The EOS is placed for use during your routine cleanings.
We will continue to incorporate approved, vetted equipment as well as additional adjunctive services to aid in minimizing and eliminating infectious agents.