Stosich Consulting Takes Your Health and Well-Being Seriously

Kenilworth, IL – COVID-19, the global pandemic that brought the world to a halt, no doubt has you wondering if it is safe to return to pre-pandemic activities, such as routine visits to your doctor, dentist or orthodontist. Stosich Consulting, led by Dr. Michael Stosich, is open and seeing patients and adheres to the strictest disinfection policies as laid out by the Centers for Disease Control.

“Our offices reopened at the end of May, and while a few things may look different, one thing hasn’t changed – our commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients,” says Dr. Stosich. “We have always held robust standards of infection control in our office to ensure the health and safety of our patients, and this pandemic has highlighted the need for medical care facilities around the globe to work as hard as possible to mitigate the risks in visiting their offices. I am proud to say that Stosich Consulting has always worked hard in this area.”

During this time, the CDC recommends additional infection prevention and control practices to ensure the virus is not transmitted during treatment and to help patients feel safe and secure returning to orthodontic and dental care. A July 6 article from NPR states that both the CDC and World Health Organization have so far reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19 transmitted in a dental office so far.

Among the CDC recommendations are:

• Telephone screening all patients for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 prior to their visit to the office.
• Use teledentistry options as an alternative to in-patient care for patients who are ideal candidates.
• Request that patients limit the number of visitors accompanying them to only those necessary for the appointment.
• Advising patients that they, and anyone accompanying them, will be required to wear a proper face covering while in the facility and will be screened for fever and symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
• Install physical barriers at reception to limit close contact.
• Remove any toys, magazines or other frequently touched items in the reception area.
• If a patient has a fever or has signs/symptoms consistent with COVID-19, that patient must be sent home without going forward with their dental care until such time as they have isolated or quarantined or had a negative test result.
• Scheduling appointments to allow for proper social distancing and to minimize the number of people waiting at any given time.
• Clinical care should be limited to one patient at a time
• Only the clean and sterile supplies needed for the current patient should be out and available, all others should be stored away from any possible contamination.
• Dental staff should wear a surgical mask, eye protection (goggles or a face shield that covers the front and sides of the face), a gown or protective clothing, and gloves

“At iDentity, patient and staff safety has always been and will always remain one of our top priorities,” says Dr. Stosich. “We are working hard to stay up to date on all of the CDC’s recommendations, and strive to always provide a safe environment that prioritizes our patients comfort and health.”

At Stosich Consulting, patients can enjoy the same quality of care, and be comfortable knowing their health and safety is high priority. UV/HEPA filters are present in clinical areas, sneeze barrier guards have been implemented at the reception desk, and patients will notice enhanced PPE. Additionally, magazines, games and other highly touched items have been removed. Patients are asked to wear masks in all common areas, and temperatures are taken upon arrival. Patients are asked to use hand sanitizer or to wash their hands after check-in, as well. Before treatment, patients will rinse with a hydrogen peroxide.

The one thing that has not changed at Stosich Consulting through all of this is our commitment to patients. iDentity has always taken robust infection control measures – all instruments used are either disposable or heat sanitized, all chairs are disinfected between patients. Our clinical team members now also wear face shields and gowns in addition to surgical masks and gloves.

Dr. Stosich also offers virtual orthodontic consultations for both new and existing patients who may feel more comfortable being seen in their own homes. Virtual consultations allow patients to begin or continue their orthodontic journeys from the comfort of their own homes and are quick and easy. You can learn more about the benefits of these consultations here.

Dr. Stosich follows a science-based approach to his care and welcomes the science-based recommendations the CDC has introduced. He and his staff strive to go above and beyond to ensure patient safety is always the number one priority. If you have questions or concerns about returning to the office, call iDentity today at 224-408-2200 (Kenilworth) or 847-548-4200 (Grayslake).