Dear Lenz Orthodontics Family,
 
We are beyond ready to get back to work and see everyone we have missed so much! We hope this letter finds you healthy, happy and prepared to ease back into regular routines. Much has changed since we last saw you. We are all still coming to grips with the
COVID-19 pandemic and events triggered by it. Everyone on the planet has been affected by COVID-19. This letter will update it's measured re-opening, and the steps we are taking to ensure we do everything possible to keep our patients and our team healthy.
 
During our time away from the office, Dr. Mark and Dr. Mike both watched countless webinars, read numerous articles, and stayed abreast of the latest guidelines from the CDC, ADA, AAO, and WDA. This wealth of information is constantly changing, and our doctors are as up-to-date as possible.
 
To that end, we will be reopening on Monday, May 11th. We will be following rigorous scheduling protocols and office measures to ensure the safety and well-being of you, our patients, and the team members at Lenz Orthodontics.
 
We ask for your patience. Over 1000 appointments were canceled! It is going to take time to get your treatment back on track. We will eventually, but it will not be as efficient as it was prior to the pandemic. Our new processes and procedures are firm and will be followed by and for everyone. They have been well thought out and reviewed countless times by Dr. Mark, Dr. Mike and our team.
 
We have already started rescheduling patients on a first-canceled-first-rescheduled basis, which is fair, efficient, and will serve everyone with getting back on track. Our office procedures have changed temporarily and will include the following:
 
Appointments:
• There will be a limit of 30 patient appointments per day, roughly half of the regular appointment load. The points outlined below will lend clarity to this decision.
• Please wait for our office to call you to reschedule your appointments. We have a very accurate and comprehensive list of every appointment canceled, including the day and time.
• Emergencies will continue to be defined only by pain or bleeding. For now, broken brackets and ill-fitting Invisalign trays do not constitute an emergency.
 
Visits:
• When you arrive for your appointment, please stay in your car. Please call or text our office upon your arrival, and a Patient Wellness Coordinator will be at the front door to guide you through the procedures below.
• Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied to the front door by a parent / caregiver.
• Only the patient being treated will be allowed to enter the office. The only exception to this will be for very young patients. Only one parent / caregiver may accompany the patient. Absolutely no other family members or friends will be allowed inside.
• Please bring your own mask and wear it to your appointment. Guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks in businesses continue, so bring the mask you have been using. If you do not have your own, we will provide one; however, personal protective equipment supplies are dangerously low. If we run out, we will have to close the office again until the supply chain is back to normal.
• Your temperature will be taken by staff using a touchless thermometer. If your temp is over 100 degrees F, you will be asked to leave and not return for the specified 14-day self- quarantine requirement.
• A simple questionnaire assessing your contacts, travel, and well-being will be asked of all patients as well. Any patient exhibiting signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or indicating recent exposure to someone with COVID-19 will be asked to leave, and will not return for the specified 14-day self-quarantine requirement.
• Maintain the 6-foot social distancing guidelines when in the office until seated in the treatment chair.
• The tooth-brushing station is closed. Please brush and floss thoroughly prior to arrival for your appointment.
• The patient restroom will be closed, so please prepare for that before arrival.
• Patients will be seated in every-other-treatment chair to maintain social distancing, which is one of the reasons for the 30 patient / day schedule.
• We ask for understanding while we will try to address all of your treatment needs during your visit. Individuals with broken braces / appliances may not have completed everything during this visit due to strict scheduling times. Please follow your diet guidelines to prevent breakage.
 
Social:
• WE LOVE OUR PATIENTS! We also love to chat with you at your appointment. Please understand that conversations will be significantly reduced to allow for social distancing, running on time, disinfection of treatment chairs and instruments, etc.
• We will not be providing coffee while in this re-entry to normalcy time.
 
Team:
• We will take the temperatures of every team member, including both Dr. Mark and Dr. Mike, immediately upon arrival at work. Any team member with a temperature of 100 degrees F or above will go home.
• Each team member daily will answer the same health questionnaire that our patients are required to answer. If any questions disqualify the team member, they will be sent home following the same procedures we are asking our patients to follow.
 
General:
• You will find upon arrival that our furniture has been rearranged. You will also notice other changes made to ensure the health and well-being of our patients and our team.
 
We are so grateful to every one of our patients, and this time away has only served to make us even more thankful for each of you. You are the life force of our practice, which is why we are taking your safety VERY seriously. We ask for your patience and understanding. Unfortunately, expect your treatment progress and estimated completion time to be delayed. Please understand that we are focusing on getting your treatment back on track while not exposing our team members or patients to unnecessary risk.
 
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call. We love all of you, here's to your health and smile!
 
Warmly,
Dr. Mark, Dr. Mike and the team at Lenz Orthodontics