Protocols for Team Popp Dental's Re-Opening!

We are excited to re-open and see our patients again to care for their dental and orthodontic needs. We have been busy during our mandated closure updating our facilities in Hixson and East Brainerd. Privacy walls have been added in all clinic areas to maintain physical distancing during treatment and barriers placed at our front desk. We have always maintained stringent infection control and sterilization procedures but are now also implementing updated recommendations from OSHA and the American Dental Association. We are also excited to announce we have relocated the General Dental Practice of Dr. Leah Popp to our office at 4211 Hixson Pike!

In the best interest of our patients and team members we are implementing phone screening questions for scheduling appointments and a screening policy upon arrival at all facilities. These are outlined below. As we all adapt to new protocols and procedures some appointment times will likely increase and some of our policies may seem inconvenient compared to past experiences. We apologize for the inconveniences but they are necessary for us to follow recommended guidelines and for the safety and well being of our patients and team members. We will continually monitor and update our policies and procedures as needed.

Phone Screening

We will ask a series of questions on the phone to determine if an office visit for elective or emergency care can be scheduled for the patient. Sometimes the doctor will have to further evaluate the situation or talk with you before we can schedule an appointment so a followup call may be required. Obviously, this will require more time on the phone for you and our staff, so please be patient if we cannot immediately answer all calls. Leave a message or call again, and we will make every effort to take care of everyone in a timely manner.

Patient Arrival & Office Entry Procedures

1. Everyone will be screened at the door and given directions as to who may enter and when they may enter the office. Some patients and companions will be asked to wait in their vehicle until their turn to enter the office. Temperatures may be taken and anyone with a temperature over 100.4 degrees will not be allowed in the office unless the increased temperature is related to their dental problem.

2. It is preferred that only the patient enter the building but one necessary companion may accompany them if absolutely necessary. A necessary companion would be a parent or caregiver for a young child or patient with special needs. The necessary companion must remain in the waiting area during the treatment and will only be allowed in the clinic area if absolutely necessary as determined by Doctors and staff. If allowed into the clinic area the necessary companion must follow all staff instructions and be a passive observer only. No children other than the patient will be allowed in the building and we will not provide childcare or anyone to monitor them in your vehicle so do not bring children other than the patient to the appointment.

3. All patients, necessary companions, and visitors are required to wear their own protective face covering upon entry to the office. If you do not have a face covering for everyone entering the building you will need to reschedule.

4. Please arrive on time for appointments or we may have to reschedule your appointment.

5. We will be monitoring the efficiency and effectiveness of our office protocols daily and make changes as appropriate so some of the above may be different when you arrive.