To our patient family,
​
In the words of our Prime Minister today, exceptional circumstances are calling for exceptional measures, and it is time to take every precaution to keep people safe. In alignment with today's direction from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, the regulatory authorities that oversee dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists have coordinated their recommendations and guidance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

While not mandatory, out of an abundance of caution we have suspended all non-emergency services including dental hygiene and non-urgent/routine care for now. This policy will be re-evaluated as regulatory recommendations and guidance evolve. If you have an appointment in the near-term you will be contacted to reschedule to a future date.

A joint statement from the BC Ministry of Health and Dr. Bonnie Henry asks that anyone who attended the Pacific Dental Conference in Vancouver to self-isolate until March 21, 2020.  While not all staff attended this conference, we have decided to have all staff stop working, and those who attended the conference to self-isolate, during the recommended period. This means that there will be no clinical services at the office until March 22, 2020.

Rest assured that we have no staff exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. Patients who were seen at the office since March 5, 2020 do not need to alter their routines or practices because of their visit.

Until March 22, 2020, front desk staff will redirect emergency calls to the dentists for telephone advice and therapeutic/prescription care. After that date, a dentist will be present in the office for limited hours to facilitate emergency care.

You may read or hear about the COVID-19 protocols that are required by dental offices. We already had these protocols in place and remain fully compliant. We care deeply about the health of our patients and wider community and thank you for your understanding during this challenging situation. Please contact us if you have any concerns, questions or dental problems.

Dr. Regan, Dr. Hird and Dr. Duprat

To our patient family, 
 
The health and safety of our community is always a top priority for us. 
 
In response to concerns around COVID-19, we want to share with you that we remain committed to providing safe and healthy spaces for our patients.
 
As is required of regulated oral health care professionals, we routinely take universal precautions in infection prevention and control for all patient visits and treatment. This includes the disinfection of treatment spaces before and after each patient. Fortunately, this is standard practice and continues. 
 
As extra precautions we have also:

• increased the frequency of disinfection throughout the day in reception and waiting areas, and are paying extra attention to high-touch areas;
• provided additional hand sanitizer stations in the reception and waiting areas;
• removed all shared reading material (and children’s toys) from waiting and treatment areas;
• initiated pre-appointment screening questions to prevent unnecessary appointments by anyone exhibiting symptoms and/or who has recently travelled to affected countries (for an up-to-date list of travel advisories, click here).

 
If you are unwell but have a dental emergency, please contact us by phone or email so that we can give advice and, if necessary, make special arrangements for you. 
 
As long as you remain healthy and do not develop symptoms, it is safe and appropriate to keep and attend routine dental appointments.
 
The dentist owners at White Rock Dental Group are monitoring this fluid situation, and are committed to responding to up-to-date information as it becomes available. 

For current information about COVID-19 from the BC Center for Disease Control, click here. It’s important that you also take an active role in preventing the spread of infections. Please make sure you:

• stay home if you are sick
• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• cough or sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands.

 
Thank you for your help in keeping our community healthy. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
 
Dr. Regan, Dr. Hird and Dr. Duprat