KATRINA BOGUSKI
Staff Reporter
BARRY’S BAY – The only constant is change. When the folks at Barry’s Bay Family Dental Centre were forced to close down temporarily in response to Covid-19 directives, they seized the opportunity to face change head on. Knowing that new guidelines for the dentists would be strict, the owner remodelled their office and operatory rooms to help provide a safer environment for patients and staff. Now the doors are open again and patients are welcome to book appointments in the newly refurbished office.
Dr. Moledina took over as the new owner of Barry’s Bay Family Dental Centre on August 27, 2018. He is the main dentist at the centre. A total of eight people work there. According to staff, “…there is also an associate dentist, 2 hygiene, 2 dental assistants, 1 sterilization and our front desk reception.”
The Valley Gazette reached out to staff at the dental centre to find out more about the recent upgrades. When asked “What changes to procedures have been made as a result of Covid 19?” Staff replied, “First and foremost we are following all COVID-19 protocols set out by the Canadian Dental Association, the Ontario Dental Association and the Hygiene College. We have installed doors on every operatory, full PPE is being used for every patient. Patients are COVID screened over the phone and in person, temperatures are taken, waiting rooms are down to 2 chairs placed 6 meters apart for social distancing. Patients are asked to stay in their cars until they are waved into the office. Hygiene rooms are given a rest time for disinfection protocol measures. Each room has its own air purification system. A new state of the [art] sterilization area dedicated to ensuring proper sterilization of all instruments. We have all digital x-rays equipment which cuts down on radiation by 90 percent.”
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