In trying to decide what the best course of action for my staff, my patients and the health of their extended families we have decided to cancel all elective dental procedures for at least this first week. I will be available for any dental emergency in the environment that I’m proud to say we have always practiced in, following all the CDC Infection Control guidelines that have always kept us safe throughout all our previous challenges with AIDS, SARS, H1N1, MERSA etc. In 35 years of practice we have never had an incident of cross contamination.
the Americans Dental Association as well as our State Associations mandated the we in fact discontinue all elective dental procedures for 3 weeks, YIKES! That seems like an eternity to not be practicing my favorite hobby! What an empty hole to not be able to see our friends daily, catch up with what’s going on in their and their family’s lives, oh and yea get some dentistry done.
I just want you all to know that I will we will figure out how to be available for any dental emergency you may have and more importantly if anyone is struggling with any needs to reach out and we will find a way in OUR community of helping out. If you need a virtual hug we will always be here.
It is being estimated that the number of exposures / infections during the next two weeks will be much more significant. Truth is this virus did not just hit our doorsteps; I believe it’s been circulating in what has become a very small world due to all the international travel for at least the last 4 to 6 months. Who knows how long we will be asked to be out of service?
Here’s what is clear, we have an opportunity in these next several weeks to truly impact the course of our future. With all crisis comes opportunity! If you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath, stay away from others. If you don’t pretend you do because this Social Distancing is what seems to be making the most distance. So, if you feel fine PRETEND you have the virus and make sure your children do the same. This is not an opportunity for playdates and progressive dinners! This is our responsibility for ourselves and our loved ones! I still have lots of family in Italy and my cousins share with me what’s been going on which is why we made the decision to close the office yesterday morning.
Finally, prepare to meet this and all bugs out there. Please focus on strengthening your immune system by eating / drinking clean, exercising indoors and especially outdoors as the weather is sure to get better. Reduce your dependency on drugs and alcohol and increase your dependency on family and living joyfully by staying connected with those that are positive and disconnecting with those that are negative. This means minimize the amount of TV / news time as much as possible and go back and watch your favorite comedies / series that make you laugh, still one of the best medicines! Stress has such a negative impact on our health…
Thanks for taking the time to read through all this,
If you need a pick me up or have a pressing question please reach out.
A big virtual hug to you all!
Dr. Joseph Gaudio
