Dear Patients and Friends,

Prior to re-opening the office numerous changes were made in our standard operating procedures. All these changes were discussed in a series of emails that were sent to existing patients, and many are republished in my blog. For those who were unaware of the changes and precautions we have taken, here is a summary.  

• We have purchased a PCO (photo catalytic oxidation) air purification system. This system has been installed in the centralized HVAC and utilizes ultraviolet light to activate titanium oxide embedded in a grid. ActivePure® is a non-toxic air/surface decontamination system that greatly improves indoor air quality by providing a non-invasive, continual treatment as an Enhanced Hydrogen Peroxide that permeates the entire facility without chemicals and toxic by-products. This technology has been used successfully by NASA in their space modules.  Learn more about  PCO air purification here and here – https://activtekhealthsolutions.com/technology/
• We have purchased a commercial grade fogger that we fill with HOCL (hypochlorous acid) to clean the reception area, hallways and treatment rooms throughout the day.  This machine emits a “fog” containing HOCL and has been proven effective in killing bacteria and viruses like Covid-19 in a variety of settings, including food services and medical applications – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochlorous_acid
• Each treatment room has been equipped with UVc light lamps that we use to kill bacteria and virus after each patient visit. Learn more about the medical use of UVc lights for more info go here – https://insights.regencylighting.com/can-uv-light-kill-viruses-like-covid-19
• We have placed HEPA air filtration units throughout the office to better filter the air and remove virus and bacteria. These units will filter 99.7% of the virus using HEPA grade 13 filters.  These units turn over the air in each treatment room 8 to 9 times per hour, more than sufficient to achieve adequate air filtration of foreign particles. Learn more about HEPA air filtration here.
• We have sourced and acquired Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for ALL team members, including N-95 respirators, KN-95 masks, surgical masks, face shields, gowns and gloves.
• And we will continue the same CDC and OSHA disinfection protocols that we have always used to clean treatment room chairs, counter tops, and equipment.
• Pre-Appointment Contact — You will be contacted 48-72 hours prior to your appointment via phone, text or email and asked a series of health-related questions.  It is required that you review and answer these questions prior to your appointment.  We will need to reschedule your appointment if you are unable to complete this step.
• Arrival and Screening — Please wear a mask when you visit us. Upon entering the office, you will have a temperature and a pulse oximetry check. You will also have an opportunity to wash your hands before treatment. Patients with temperature above 100.3 and/or oxygen saturation levels below 92% will be asked to consult their physicians and we will reschedule their dental appointment in 14 days. Please be aware that our staff is being screened in a similar way at the beginning of each workday.  If you are found to have a normal temperature and oxygen saturation, you will be personally escorted to your treatment area. We are limiting the number of patients in our office at any one time. Therefore, a limit of one caregiver per patient will be allowed into the office. We will only be able to accommodate 2 people at any given time in our reception area in order to accommodate social distancing requirements. 
• A Private Treatment Experience — You will notice that the treatment room doors might be closed and there will be less chatter. Prior to treatment all patients will rinse their mouths with an antibacterial rinse. Dental care providers will be fully gowned and masked with appropriate personal protective equipment.
• “Contactless” Front Office — Your contact with our front desk will be minimal. No more “checking out” at the front desk. All future appointments and financial arrangements will be made at the completion of your treatment in the treatment room. Before leaving the office, we will ask you to wash your hands and put your mask back on.
• Virtual Appointments — We will be instituting on-line appointments and consultations in certain instances as deemed appropriate. Our hope is to save you a visit to the office where indicated. Some insurance programs are reimbursing patients for virtual appointments and should we decide to schedule a virtual visit you will be informed of the appropriate fee in advance.
• Enhanced PPE In Our Office — We require everyone in our office to wear a face covering. Expect to see our clinical staff wearing not only face masks, but disposable surgical gowns and face shields.

All of us are living, working (hopefully), and adjusting to the “new normal”. My team and I are trying to address health and safety concerns in an educated and responsible way so we can continue to provide dental care to our family of patients.

Countless hours have gone into research and consultation with my colleagues, in an effort to achieve solutions that will result in treating you safely and appropriately. Some of these systems may be redundant.

Belts and suspenders? That’s fine with me. I don’t want our pants to fall down!

Dr. Robert M. Sorin, DMD

We’re moving and merging!

After many years of being at my present address, I was unable to re-negotiate my lease in these tumultuous times. After evaluating multiple locations and opportunities, it is with great pleasure that I announce the relocation of my office as of April 1^st, 20022 right across the street, just a stone’s throw away.

I will be moving and merging my practice with Prosthodontics of New York, located at 18 East 48^th Street, just off Madison Avenue. Rest assured my entire team will be joining me in this move and we will continue to work, as we have, four days a week, Monday through Thursday, 8:30-4:30.

Let me tell you why I’m so excited about this move. I will be working with Dr. Jonathan Roberts and Dr. Craig Sirota, two dentists who possess outstanding professional and interpersonal skills. While they both have exemplary clinical training, even more important, they are kind, compassionate, experienced practitioners who place an emphasis on providing outstanding care and service. Check them out online at PROSOFNY.COM.  We have spent countless hours discussing this merger and I am comfortable knowing I will be in a new environment that will continue to support my mission of providing comprehensive care, addressing issues of health, comfort, and beauty.

For our patients, I feel this opportunity offers you an outstanding state of the art dental experience.  This new office was built about 7 years ago and has all the latest technology, including intraoral scanning, 3D printing, a Cerec milling system which will allow me to provide same day porcelain restorations, and cone beam computerized tomography just to name a few.  On days when I am away from the office, you will be cared for in the same manner you have become accustomed too, and by a team familiar with your dental history and your ongoing care.

For my team, they will have some help!  In our new Covid world it has become extremely difficult as a team of three to set up, break down, and sterilize rooms and equipment, while still provide outstanding patient care. Our expanded team will be better able to help each other resulting in better professional care and customer service to you.

For me, I have an opportunity to both teach and learn from individuals I respect.  In both dentistry and medicine, the days of the single practitioner are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Change is not always easy; but it is essential. Even though we have spent many hours planning to make this a smooth and seamless transition, we know it will have its challenges. Please be patient (no pun intended) and know you can always reach out to me to discuss any issues you may have.  For all these years together, I’ve always believed that relationships are based on mutual trust, respect and understanding. It is important to me that this continues.

If you have an appointment with us in the next six weeks you’ll find us where you always have. As of April 1^st I look forward to welcoming you at our new location!

Dr. Robert M. Sorin, DMD