COVID-19: A Letter to Our Patients

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Dear Patients:

We would like to update you on the status of our practice with respect to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that is having an unprecedented impact on daily life throughout the world.

Per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA) as well as the Knox County Health Department, we will be closed until further notice for all procedures except Dental Emergencies. A dental emergency is generally defined as severe and increasing pain or swelling associated with a tooth or gum tissues. It can also include situations like a lost temporary crown, broken tooth, or a loose implant part.

If you feel that you have a dental emergency, you can call the main office number (865-246-0460). You can then be connected to either Dr. Robert Cain or Dr. Pamela Cain to assess your emergency either by phone or via Facetime or Google Duo where they will be able to further assess your problem and decide on a treatment course.

We would like to emphasize that a dental office is, and has always been, one of the safest places with regards to spread of communicable diseases for a number of reasons:

  • We have always practiced Universal Precautions which are designed to prevent the transmission and spread of all communicable diseases. This means that we steam sterilize all instruments used on patients, we cover all surfaces that can come in contact with bodily fluids with disposable covers, we thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in the operatories between patents and we wear gloves, masks, gowns and eye protection during all procedures.
  • We do not treat patients that are sick, unlike physicians’ offices. In fact, we have always encouraged any patients that are showing any signs of fever or other flu-like symptoms to reschedule their appointments.
  • We are a small office with a small number of employees and patients present at any one time so you don’t have to worry about being around a large group of people. CDC recommendations about avoiding large crowds or gatherings do not apply to our office.
  • Our lobby is large enough and our patient volume is small enough that those waiting can maintain a safe “social distance” from others.

We realize that these are uncertain times with this unprecedented worldwide public health crisis. Please be assured that, although our normal operations are restricted, we will be here for our patients’ emergent needs and will try to help in any way possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Cain