The health and safety of our patients, staff and the San Antonio community are of the utmost concern for us at Blalock Orthodontics. We advise our community to follow the government and local authorities’ recommendations and remain informed about recent developments in your area regarding the containment and prevention of the COVID-19 virus.
You can find detailed information and advice at:
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- Texas Health and Human Services: https://www.dshs.state.tx.us/coronavirus/
As medical professionals, orthodontists are trained in the proper procedures and protocols to maintain a sterile and safe environment for all patients.
Your orthodontist and their staff are continuously trained and routinely follow strict sanitary and preventive measures to avoid spreading any type of disease.
Surfaces and equipment are routinely sanitized and instruments sterilized between patients visits. All staff who are responsible for your treatment will normally wear protective gear such as gloves, face masks, eye covers, or disposable gowns as needed.
During this time, in which heightened concern and precautions are required to avoid the spread of COVID-19 (the flu-like symptoms associated with coronavirus), you may notice that some offices may have taken some additional precautionary measures such as:
- Additional screening questions before confirming your appointment to make sure you and your family are healthy and in no risk of infection.
- Some offices may require a temperature/fever check before visiting with patients.
- Many offices will have hand sanitizer and tissues for your use.
- Some doctors may ask patients to wash their hands before and/or after their appointment.
- If you wish to reschedule your appointment, we will be happy to work with you and listen to your concerns to find a suitable time to continue your treatment.
Given the seriousness of possible virus transmission, Blalock Orthodontics would like to remind patients and our community of some general considerations:
For patients
- Check with your orthodontist office regarding your appointment, and postpone or cancel your visit if you are experiencing any symptoms such as:
- Fever (any temperature above 100F)
- Headache
- Joint or muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- If you do not have an orthodontic emergency and have other underlying medical conditions or are at high risk due to your health or age, consider rescheduling your appointment.
- Avoid bringing other people to your orthodontist office who may not need treatment such as siblings, friends or other family members). Let´s avoid crowding our waiting rooms.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Don’t touch your face (eyes, nose, and mouth).
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
How does COVID-19 spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
