COVID-19

Updated 11/12/2020

Dear Patients,

As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be apart of the new “normal” across the country, we wanted to share some of the actions Elk Plaza Dental is taking to help protect both you and our employees.

Below is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions patients have been asking over the past few months:

Upon arrival, where should I go?

• • Patients are allowed to come in, wearing a mask and wait in the waiting room, however,  if they do prefer to wait in their car, they can come inside, check-in, fill out their forms and return to their car. Then we can call them when it is time for their appointment.

What does the “Sign In” process look like? 

• • Currently, we’re using laminated paper forms that patients will fill out at the office. We’re hoping to have all of our online forms live by the beginning of 2021.

What if a patient forgets a mask, do you have some available? 

• • In accordance with the State Mandate, we are requiring all staff and patients to wear a mask. If you happen to forget your mask, not to worry! We have disposable masks available for any patient who forgets there’s.

What sort of PPE equipment is our office requiring?

• • Our team is wearing the required PPE equipment recommended by the CDC, ADA, MDA and OSHA which includes;
    • Work clothing, such as scrubs, lab coat, and/or a gown
    • Gloves
    • Eye protection: glasses, goggles, face shield
    • Face mask: surgical mask
    • N95 filtering facepiece mask

What measures is the office taking to offer a safe and clean environment? 

• • Air Purifiers were distributed throughout the entire office
  • Maintaining our infection control and sterilization practices for all patient contact areas
  • Plexiglass barriers were installed at the front desk
  • We regularly clean and disinfect our nonclinical areas and high contact surfaces throughout the office

We are continuing to closely monitor guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state and our local health officials. We’ll continue to rely on their recommendations and expertise to inform our decisions.

Thank you,
Dr. Hunter & Staff

Updated 4/30/2020
Dear Patients,

Due to the current situation we are in, our office will unfortunately not be re-opening on Monday, May 4^th as planned.

Our office is temporarily closed until Thursday, May 14^th.  On that date, we are planning to resume normal office hours. As always, we will keep you updated should anything change.

We’re so very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for all who will be affected. We would like to Thank You for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We, at Elk Plaza Dental, feel that the health and wellness of our patients, team members and families is always our top priority.

We will be taking true emergencies of current patients of record only and on a triage basis. The emergency number will be answered between the hours of 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Monday- Friday. If you call before or after these hours, your call will not be returned.

Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you,
Dr. Hunter & Staff

Updated 4/8/2020
Dear Patients,

Today, Governor Tim Walz has extended the State-Wide Stay at Home order for the state of Minnesota, until Monday, May 4th, 2020.

Due to the changes issued today, we will not be reopening on April 13th, as planned.

Our office is temporarily closed until Monday, May 4th. On that date, we are planning to resume normal office hours. As always, we will keep you updated should anything change.

We’re so very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for all who will be affected. We would like to Thank You for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We, at Elk Plaza Dental, feel that the health and wellness of our patients, team members and families is always our top priority.

We will be taking true emergencies of current patients of record only and on a triage basis. The emergency number will be answered between the hours of 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday- Friday. If you call before or after these hours, your call will not be returned.

Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you,
Dr. Hunter & Staff

Updated 3/18/2020
Dear Patients,

Today, Governor Tim Walz has issued a State-Wide Stay at Home order for the state of Minnesota, until Friday, April 10th.

Due to the changes issued today, we will not be reopening on April 6th, as planned.

Our office is temporarily closed until Monday, April 13th. On that date, we are planning to resume normal office hours. As always, we will keep you updated should anything change.

We’re very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause for all who will be affected. We would like to Thank You for your patience and understanding during this difficult time. We, at Elk Plaza Dental, feel that the health and wellness of our patients, team members and families is always our top priority.

We will be taking true emergencies of current patients of record only and on a triage basis. The emergency number will be answered between the hours of 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Monday- Friday. If you call before or after these hours, your call will not be returned.

Again, we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you,
Dr. Hunter & Staff

Dear Patients,

At Elk Plaza Dental, the health and wellness of our patients, team members, and families is our top priority. During this ongoing concern about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are closely monitoring the latest reports from the CDC, ADA, MDA,  as well as other state and local agencies.

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a clean and safe environment, we have extensive cleanliness policies and procedures in place. Along with maintaining our infection control and sterilization practices for all patient contact areas, our staff members also regularly clean and disinfect our nonclinical areas and high contact surfaces throughout the office. Such as our iPads, keyboards, door handles, and chairs, etc.

What you can do as a patient:

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Cough or sneeze into a tissue, sleeve or arm.

Avoid close contact with people, and especially people who are sick.

If you are not feeling well, it is best to stay home.

We ask that, if you have traveled anywhere, on cruises internationally, or in areas known to be COVID-19 hot spots WITHIN THE LAST 2 WEEKS, you call our office to reschedule.

We ask that only One Adult individual (guardian) accompany children to their appointments to limit the number of individuals gathering in our waiting and treatment rooms. We request that siblings do not accompany the patient to their appointments.

In an effort to reduce transmission of the viruses, cold and the flu, we are instructing all patients who are experiencing any symptoms (upper respiratory, cough, shortness of breath, fever) to call our off to cancel any appointments and reschedule for a later date.

We appreciate your shared effort and support as we work together to keep each other and our communities safe and healthy.

Please call our office at 763-441-4200 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Dr. Hunter & Staff
Elk Plaza Dental