COVID-19 Clinic Update
Wearing PPEs at the clinic everyday had been something that we had to quickly grow accustomed to and make the best of it. We remembered in the beginning how wearing a mask and face shield at work slightly hindered the way we communicate effectively with our patients. In our practice, we rely on feedback loops with our patients - the facial cues, the smiles, our tone of voice, listening, instincts, a sense of how our patients are feeling, etc. Over time, we find ourselves compensating in different ways such as using our eyes more expressively, nodding and shaking our heads, waving our hands to say hello, expressing more with our arms and hands, talking a bit louder and even slower...Thank goodness we can still hear each other laugh! At times likes this, we need to laugh!
It also took more time to keep rooms clean as recommended by the Ministry of Health. This needed to be done in good timing too, so when patients arrive, they go directly into the treatment room.
Thankfully, our new norm did get easier as we got smarter by finding ways to work more efficiently and effectively. Like anything in life! After a routine is set in what works for us, we purchased a disinfectant fogger to help minimize cleaning time ( reminds us of a mini ghostbuster proton pack believe it or not). A friend recommended this after seen it used by other clinics and hospitals. Though manually disinfecting surface areas is still the most recommended practice for COVID-19, this machine was a nice addition as some patients provided a positive feedback when asked how we had been preparing our clinic during a pandemic.
Special thanks: We are grateful for our patients for being so understanding and compliant by wearing masks and sanitizing their hands since the beginning. The Oshawa Clinic and maintenance staff have also been amazing in keeping the building safe as possible and providing screening at the entrance. #durhamstrong
Friendly reminder: Remember to keep ourselves hydrated and breath through the nose while wearing masks. A call-out by dentists are warning that a condition called “Mask Mouth” is on the rise.
It’s been a few months now since we re-opened. I know that I always prefer engaging with people face to face than through a digital platform. Some of our old patients missed seeing the smiles; new patients say that they don’t know what I look like behind the mask. So I thought I take a picture of myself after work. That way you see how you would expect to see see me at work - a little tired with eyes slightly puffy, no makeup, flat head hair and messed up from wearing a face shield all day, but still happy… and smiling. ✨🌈
Stay safe and healthy, everyone. 😷 😷 😷