Happy New Year 2021!
Dear Patients and Friends,
“The only constant in life is change.” Isn’t that the truth? Especially in the past year with new information coming day by day about Covid-19, it’s enough to give you whiplash! I hope this letter finds you all happy and healthy and enjoying this new year with much promise.
I’d like to share a few changes that have happened recently in our office. My longtime Dental Assistant, Lindsey, whom many of you have gotten to know over the years, has moved on to a new opportunity in an Oral Surgery practice. She worked in the practice for just shy of 17 years– wow! We wish her the best in her new phase of life, but of course will miss her dearly. My other Dental Assistants: Jackie, Christina and Alexis, all of whom have been with the office for many years, will step in to fill her place. We also have a new assistant, Amber, who has been working with us for the past three months and is a great addition to the team.
Our excellent hygiene staff also has a new member. Innesa joined our office recently, working Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. She, along with Joyce, Amy, Emily and Carol, will continue to provide excellent care for all of you. Innesa has so far received great feedback from our patients and we hope you will enjoy meeting her!
I would also like to share that Dentists, Hygienists and Dental office personnel are in Phase I of vaccine distribution and many of us have already received our first dose. I had my first dose of the Moderna vaccine last week with no side effects except for a slightly sore arm for 2 days. The science behind these new mRNA vaccines is really fascinating and I’ve enjoyed learning about how they work. They are very different from the “live-attenuated virus” or even “inactivated virus” vaccines that we are all more familiar with. Our office will continue to follow the strict Covid protocols that we instituted last Spring until our country achieves herd immunity or we are told it is safe to “relax the rules” by our regulatory agencies. We appreciate your patience and participation with the extra precautions.
The state of California recently passed a waiver allowing Dentists to administer the Covid vaccine. With 30+ million people in this state, they need a lot of manpower to inoculate our population! Although we will not be providing the vaccine in our office due to storage and preparation requirements, I do hope to help deliver injections in Community clinics soon. I have completed the required training and am ready to serve!
The California Dental Association recently published a FAQ on its website to answer members questions about the vaccine. I found it to be helpful and informative in very plain language that is easy to understand. I decided to include the text of it here in the hopes that it helps to increase your understanding of this incredibly important vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a critical next step in combating the pandemic. Below are key questions and answers to help members understand the COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available.
Why should I get the vaccine?
Vaccines only work in mass. You can help your loved ones feel comfortable getting vaccinated by sharing with them that you got vaccinated and why.