While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our office’s commitment to your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority in our practice. We follow recommendations and guidelines made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), as well as the guidelines that have been set forth by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This allows us to make sure that our infection control procedures are up-to-date and enables us to provide the safest environment for our patients and their family members.  As measures of overall health and safety, we are continuing to follow some additional safety precautions

As measures of overall health and safety, we are continuing to follow additional safety precautions to help protect our patients and staff.

• Upon scheduling an appointment, 24-48 hours in advance of that appointment, a COVID-19 questionnaire will be texted or given to you over the phone. This questionnaire must be completed before you arrive at the office. We will postpone treatment for any patient who has experienced or been in contact with someone who has experienced the following symptoms within 14 days of the scheduled appointment date: fever, cough, loss of taste and/or smell, flu-like symptoms, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, and fatigue. This will be implemented regardless of vaccination status.

• Every person entering the office is expected to wear a face covering. As an additional precaution, we will confirm no fever with a contactless thermometer upon your arrival, as well as review the medical questionnaire again. We will continue to follow this protocol as dictated by the IDPH, ADA, CDC and OSHA.

• We have the reception area currently set up to allow for social distancing. If you are still uncomfortable sitting in the reception area, please call the front desk (847)526-2831 and let them know that you have arrived for your appointment and they will in turn inform you when they are ready for you.

• We have always taken great pride on making our office warm, relaxing and inviting, so it’s a little bittersweet for us to have to make changes though it will be to promote overall health and safety. Our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, charging stations, children’s toys, and so forth, since these items are difficult to clean and disinfect. Clear plastic screens (sneeze guards) have been installed at the front desk to minimize exposure to airborne pathogens.  You may choose to more safely use an online payment method, located on our website.

• You will also notice that our doctors and staff will be wearing all of the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). Because of the extra coverage of the PPE, the office will be kept at a cooler temperature. You may want to bring additional clothing for your comfort.  We will still have blankets available, as they will be laundered after their usage.   The rooms will also appear different, as they may have more protective barriers covering objects and any unnecessary clutter will be cleared out of the room.

• We have also added air purifying units to the dental operatories, as well as air cleaner enhancements that have been added to our HVAC units to keep the air cleaner and you safe!

Thank you for being part of our family dental practice. We value your trust and loyalty and are happy to have you as a part of our dental family.  Please always feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Yours In Health-

Dr Lynn Podlasek

Dr Silvio Arauz

And the staff at Northwest Dental Health and Aesthetics