Stefano Dental Provides Tips For Dentists Closed Due to Covid-19

Dentists throughout Ohio have closed their offices, only offering emergency dental services, as recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and mandated by the Governor of Ohio. Although Dr. Lata Stefano, of Stefano Dental of Sandusky, Ohio, closed her office several weeks ago, she’s finding ways to still help out during the COVID-19 crisis. As the president of the North Central Ohio Dental Society, Dr. Stefano is finding ways to support patients and provides tips for fellow dentists on how to navigate their dental practices through the current coronavirus climate. For more information, go to www.stefanodental.com.

“As many of us are still acclimating to the new normal with COVID-19 restrictions, I’ve found some ways we can make a difference in the dentistry world “ said Dr. Lata Stefano of Stefano Dental, and president of the North Central Ohio Dental Society . “As dentists---we have employees, we have patients, we have practices, we have our health—but we have to put all of that in perspective of the needs of our community and our country ---we’re all in this together,” said Dr. Stefano.

Dr. Stefano suggests some ways that dentists can help and get help right now.

• -Help Others: As of today, we've donated 200 masks to our local hospital.
  • Donate masks, gowns, disinfectant wipes and sanitizer. If each dental office did something like this, donations can add up quickly.
  • Donate fabric to places that are making masks too.
  • Volunteer to grocery shop for those that cannot leave their homes or are in the high-risk category for COVID-19.
• -Offer Teledentistry: We're mandated to only offer emergency care at this point.
  • Patients can send photos via smartphones to their dentist, and we can evaluate and give guidance over the phone. Perhaps, we can call in a prescription to manage and triage the situation until we can see the patients or refer them to a specialist if needed. Dentists can help patients monitor symptoms and stay in touch with you through teledentistry.
• -Finances: Take advantage of programs like SBA (Small Business Association) loans at www.sba.gov
  • Local banks: investigate options to potentially be able to help keep your team members employed or provide the employee support with the unemployment process. Tax payments can be deferred, and you can work with lenders to ask for deferred payments on other items as well.
• -Communication: Reach out to team members and your patients. A weekly email, a Facebook post or Instagram photo can let patients know you care. Communicate regularly with your staff and your patients. Let them know you care.

ABOUT STEFANO DENTAL, INC. For more information about Stefano Dental, Inc., visit their web site at www.stefanodental.com or call 419.626.2205. Dr. Lata Stefano has been practicing dentistry for two decades and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. She completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency at Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry in Cleveland, Ohio. Since they began practicing dentistry, Dr. Stefano and her associates have kept up-to-date on many continuing educational classes, ensuring that their patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care, including Invisalign orthodontic care. Dr. Stefano is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Orthodontic Society, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Ohio Dental Association, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics , and the North Central Ohio Dental Society. For more information, call 419.626.2205 or visit www.stefanodental.com. Visit us on Twitter at Stefanodental or Facebook or Instagram at Stefano Dental.