COVID-19 Office Policies

Dear Friends:

Life has been anything but normal this spring and we sincerely hope you and your family are in good health. We are happy to inform you that we are now able to once again provide dental care for you [and your family]. The Ministry of Health has lifted the restrictions placed back in March. While many things have changed since then, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your health and safety. 

Our office has always followed strict infection control standards and in order to keep us all protected during this pandemic and in the future, we have updated our protocols. When we see you at your next appointment, things will be a little different.  Please read the following to be better prepared for your visit to our office. These items have been mandated by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

• We will ask some screening questions the day before your appointment and you’ll be asked those same questions plus take your temperature when you come to the office. For our staff and our patients safety, we will only be seeing patients who screen COVID19 negative. If you screen positive, we will simply postpone your appointment until you are well. If you are COVID19 positive or screen COVID19 positive and you have a dental emergency, please call our office for further instruction.

• We ask that you wait in your car and call us (905-304-3479) when you arrive and then wait for a call back to let you know when you can enter the office. 

• We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the clinic. There are more dispensers around the office for you to use as needed. 

• Our waiting room will no longer offer magazines or children’s toys since those items are difficult to fully disinfect. 

• In order to properly social distance in the office and minimize the risk of infection spread, we ask that only patients having treatment come into the office unless a child must be accompanied. Parents cannot walk up and down the treatment corridor.

• Please wear your own mask to the office. The mask must be worn at all times except during treatment. Parents/guardians entering the office must wear a mask when in the office as well. If you do not have a mask, we can provide one at a cost of $10.

• Please bring your own glasses/sunglasses for eye protection.

• Appointments will be spaced out to allow for physical distancing between patients. That might mean less flexibility for scheduling your appointment, but it will also reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. 

• You may be surprised that we’re wearing more protective gear – such as masks, face shields, gowns – than we normally do during your visit. 

Rest assured, all these procedures are designed to create the safest environment for you, other patients and our team. We look forward to seeing you again. If you have any questions, please let us know. To make an appointment, call our office at (905) 304-3479 or email us at appointment@ancasterdental.ca 

Thank you for patience and loyalty throughout this ordeal. We value your trust and look forward to welcoming you back! 

Sincerely, 
Dr. Stephen Hambly
Getting To Know You
During the course of this visit, we will learn about each other and listen to your dental needs and desires. We will review your medical and dental history, take your blood pressure, and complete dental charting including the pocket depth around your teeth. We will complete an oral cancer screening if you choose. Then we can discuss any treatment needs and the associated options and set up the appropriate appointments. Our hygienists can then begin by cleaning your teeth! We do spend more time at this first visit to carefully collect all the information that will allow us to best suit your treatment to your individual needs.

Dental Insurance Forms
If applicable, please make sure that you bring accurate dental insurance information with you so that we can efficiently process your dental claims for you. Your insurance company will reimburse you directly. If you had x-rays taken within the last year, copies of these would be useful to bring to your appointment. There is also a privacy form to complete. All information is kept in strict confidence and will not be shared without your expressed consent.