Updated May 20, 2020:
Lihue Dental is dedicated to keeping you safe and healthy against COVID-19. We are now open for all elective and emergency dental services, Monday – Saturday. Call 808-375-4754 to make an appointment. Here at Lihue Dental we highly value the level of trust that you place in us. Your safety is our highest priority.
Operations
In light of Governor Ige’s recent proclamation to allow dental offices to resume their full scope of care, it is with much anticipation that we look forward to seeing all of you in at the office!
We have already been seeing some of our patients with emergencies, such as toothaches or broken teeth. We will also begin scheduling our patients for their regular check-ups, cleanings, extractions, and restorative dentistry. We are open Monday-Friday from 8:30am-5pm and on Saturday from 9am-3pm.
We have put many precautionary protocols to prevent COVID-19 such as disinfecting the office after each patient visit, social distancing, sealing off operatories, pre-screening questionnaires, and taking a temperature reading prior to entering the office.
With the new emphasis on “contact tracing,” we are minimizing the number of people that go in and out of the office. You will likely be the only patient in the office when you visit and there will be no more than two patients receiving treatment at a time.
As we begin to reschedule routine visits, we want to assure you that Lihue Dental is committed to creating the safest possible environment for your care. We want to share with you the many new safety measures we have put in place in our clinic for your protection.
Safety Measures
Screening out unwell patients
Before coming into an appointment, patients are asked a series of questions about their symptoms and potential exposure. Those with COVID-19 like symptoms are instructed not to enter our facilities. At the office, patients are screened for temperature in the building lobby and again when they enter the Lihue Dental office.
Physical distancing between patients
We ask that patients check-into their appointment via phone and wait from their car until called. Patients are required to wear a face mask when entering the office and encouraged to use our complimentary hand sanitizer.
Minimize the number of patients seen at a time
Patients will likely have the entire office to themselves during their visit. The max number of patients we will see at a given time is two. Keeping patient flow low ensures there is ample distance between operatories and allows Lihue Dental staff to fully disinfected before the next appointment.
Safety protection between staff and patients
All of our staff members wear face masks and gloves. We’ve installed clear plexiglass barriers at the front desk and between operatories. Dentists and dental assistants wear a sanitized mask, face shield, and disposable gown for each patient.
Proactive aerosol reduction measures
A rubber dental dam is put in place whenever possible and high/low volume suction are used to reduce any germs going into the air.
2x disinfectant after each patient
Surfaces are disinfected after each patient; the first application of disinfectant is left to dry and then surfaces are disinfected a second time.
Precautions for Upcoming Visits
If you have an appointment, we ask that you follow social distancing practices.
- Distance: Stay at least 6 feet away from others.
- Sanitize: Use the complimentary hand sanitizer before and after your appointment.
- Remote check-in: Call Lihue Dental at (808) 378-4754 from the parking lot when you arrive to check-in for your appointment.
- Remoting waiting: After checking in via phone, wait in your car until you are notified via text or call that your provider is ready to see you.
- Low traffic entrance: Enter into the Lihue Dental building (4366 Kukui Grove St) from the side entrance, it is to the left of the main entrance. There will be a sign on the door of the main entrance to help you find your way.
Please Postpone or reschedule your appointment if any of the following apply:
- You are experiencing any symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or shortness of breath.
- If you have had close contact with an individual under investigation for or diagnosed with COVID-19.
- If you or a loved one are under self-quarantine due to compromised health or immunity.
- If you have traveled internationally with the last 14 days.
If you meet any of the above criteria we recommend that you contact us to postpone your dental appointment and contact your primary care physician or the public health department as soon as possible.
Please take precautions against Corona virus. Wash your hands regularly; stay at home and away from large groups of people and self-quarantine if you present any symptoms. We care about you and our community and want to keep everyone safe. During this time of uncertainty, we want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to provide the best care possible while ensuring the safety of our patients and staff.
Mahalo and we look forward to seeing you again!
Sincerely,
Dr. Ameer Eghbarieh DMD.
