Dear Patients & Families

UPDATED 9th APRIL 2020 – CARA ORTHODONTICS RESPONSE PROCESS TO LOCKDOWN EXTENSION FOR COVID-19

This evening President Cyril Ramaphosa made the very wise and necessary decision to extend South Africa’s lockdown for another two weeks, effectively having us to open office on Monday, the 4th of May 2020 (as 1st of May is a public holiday).

As a consequence and following on our previous notifications, our pandemic emergency treatment protocols still apply. We have progressed with our emergency protocols through these past 2 weeks exceptionally well and I foresee a similar scenario for the next 3 weeks. I thank you for your patience and understanding. Please bear with us and we will be back to our new normality in the coming weeks.

As a reminder, for the next 21 days, we are limiting care to emergencies only to keep flattening the curve and to conserve precious medical supplies and the burden on our hospitals, doctors, nurses and laboratories.

Please note that an emergency is defined as pain that is not cured by over the counter medication, unstoppable bleeding, blunt force trauma, or swelling infection.

Thankfully, true emergencies are rare in an orthodontic office. Loose brackets while a nuisance, are not an emergency. Please be mindful of this difference in the coming weeks.

If you or your child is experiencing an emergency please call me on 083 792 8989.

I have found that WhatsApp works even better, especially if a clear picture with focus on the offending problem is attached.

I usually make recommendations to resolve the issue without you needing to leave your home. Please do not come to the office without a scheduled appointment.

We are constantly providing updates on @caraorthodontics on Facebook, Instagram and our Website on www.caraorthodontics.co.za

Please follow us on these various platforms for the updates.

The landscape involving the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving and changing rapidly We will continue to update our media platforms with relevant information for the families in our practice as developments occur, so please check frequently for updates.

As things stand right now, we will be back at work on Monday, the 4th of May 2020.

It is extremely important to note that we will not be able to simply return to a normal schedule. All appointments for May 2020 will be rescheduled. We will be contacting you as quickly as we can to reschedule all appointments and by so doing get all your treatment plans back on track. I am mindful of the concerns that you as patients and parents have of your treatment progression. Delaying orthodontic visits for a few extra weeks or even if you miss a session will not cause any harm, as long as you are brushing your teeth regularly, maintaining excellent oral health and following the instructions which we initially gave to you.

I would also like to inform you that I have not been complacent during this crisis. I have been consistently keeping abreast of relevant information, reading and attending webinars on orthodontics and updates on pandemic health measures and protocols. We are therefore implementing some changes at our offices to make sure that we are all COVID 19 protected to the best possible standards. We have been in regular contact with our staff on new training for the pandemic health measures.

There will be a new normal procedure at our rooms. Entering the practice will be regulated with individual patient screening (medical history update, temperature reading, hand sanitizer etc.). Social distancing will be emphasized in reception and we will request that only one parent accompany the patient and only the patient be allowed into the clinical treatment room. The accompanying parent’s details will also be recorded. Please be aware of these changes and inform your family members, friends and colleagues who also attend our practice and did not read this newsletter. Please direct them to one of our social media platforms.

These past 2 weeks have disrupted our and your lives and we have endured much uncertainty. You have respected and observed our practice protocols. We are very much appreciative of that. For your cooperation and patience, I wish to personally thank you.

Please take care of yourself and family. Stay at home, do not leave unless absolutely necessary. To stay safe and to keep others safe we must continue to respect the restrictions that are placed on our movements and daily lives.

Together we can make a difference. Together we can beat COVID-19.

Blessings,

DR SHARAD CARA