Letter to our Patients

During our recent closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained available to treat patients in need of emergency dental procedures. We are pleased to announce that Ferguson Dental is scheduling routine hygiene and elective dental procedures, utilizing new safety protocols, beginning on May 26th, subject to NJ State and NJ Dental Board guidance.

As we embrace our new normal, we want to assure you that your health and safety remain our top priority. While our office has been closed for over two months, we have been hard at work creating the safest possible environment for you and our staff. We have made significant investments in technology and implemented extensive changes to our policies and procedures that go beyond the recommendations of the ADA and CDC. Listed below are a few of the changes that you can expect when visiting our office. Additional details will be posted on our website and specific instructions for your visit will be provided in your appointment confirmation email.

• Online health update and consent forms.
• Express Check-in from your car including a health screening prior to entering the office.
• Multilevel clinical and disinfection safety protocols that exceed standard dental universal precautions.
• Three distinct Air Purification Systems including source dental aerosol treatment room evacuators, a Clean Air Zone BioOx unit, and a germicidal UVC HVAC air purification unit.
• Limited Contact and No-Touch Policies including virtual checkout, e-statements and remote credit card payment.
• Appropriate PPE provided for all staff.
• Modified Schedule consisting of two separate clinical teams (limiting the number of person-to-person interactions), extended appointment times (allowing for additional disinfection and protective gear protocols), and expanded weekly hours.
• Teledentistry Virtual Visits for consultations, new patient interviews and evaluation of dental concerns. These visits are typically free and are a good option for patients who would like to discuss their concerns before coming to the office. Teledentistry visits are scheduled and conducted remotely with Dr. Ferguson or Dr. Cocchia.

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe infection and swelling that make it difficult to breath or swallow
• Trauma involving facial bones that compromise the ability to breath
  

• Dental Pain
• Wisdom tooth pain and/or gum infection
• Dry sockets
• Abscess, or localized bacterial infection resulting in localized pain and swelling
• Tooth fracture resulting in pain or causing soft tissue trauma
• Dental trauma resulting in a loose or knocked out tooth
• Broken crown or bridge
• Abnormal tissue or lesion in the mouth requiring an evaluation or biopsy

• Extensive dental caries or defective restorations causing pain
• Suture removal
• Denture adjustments or repairs when function is impeded, related to pain, or medical conditions
• Root canal treatment for patients experiencing pain
• Snipping or adjustment of an orthodontic wire or appliances creating pain or discomfort
• Dental treatment that is required prior to critical medical procedures

• Initial or periodic oral examinations and recall visits, including routine radiographs
• Routine dental cleaning and preventive therapies
• Orthodontic procedures other than those to address acute issues (e.g. pain, infection, trauma) or other issues critically necessary to prevent harm to the patient
• Extraction of asymptomatic teeth
• Restorative dentistry including treatment of asymptomatic cavities
• Aesthetic dental procedures
  

Dr. Dave loading his car to deliver PPE including, masks, surgical gowns, gloves and more to hospitals in need through the Essex County Sheriff’s office.
#allinthistogether #strongertogether #essexcountynj #personalprotectiveequipment #thankyounursesanddoctors

• Dr. Ferguson and Dr. Cocchia continue to see emergency patients on an as needed basis. Contact information for the dentist on call is available by calling our office phone number at 973-744-3181. Please do not hesitate to call if you have dental pain or an urgent concern.
• Our office continues to be closed for all elective and routine hygiene procedures.
• Appointments during the week of 3/30- 4/4 have been cancelled and patients have received a call.
• We will reschedule all cancelled appointments as soon as we have a plan in place to reopen.
• We continue to monitor the recommendations of the CDC and ADA along with the NJ State government and dental board. Our goal is to identify and implement all safeguards and procedures to provide for the optimal safety of our patients, staff and community.

• Donated our excess N-95 masks to an emergency room in desperate need.
• Inventoried our remaining PPE supplies and are providing that information to the NJ state authority in charge of collecting and distributing supplies to facilities in need.
• Continued to support community organizations as individuals and as a business to help as much as possible during a challenging time.
• Stayed connected as a team, supporting each other with information and friendship.

• Geri’s son Patrick was named the #1 Tight End in NJ and was also ranked #11 in the USA!
• Our dental assistant Jami, a huge animal lover, has been staying positive by playing tic-tac-toe with 2 of her cats. Her cat Nitti routinely wins!
• Dr. David has never taken more than a week’s vacation in his professional life and for our chatty dentist, social distancing is a challenge. He is grateful to have all three of his adult children at home, Lucy and Jack are working remotely and Tillie is finishing her freshman year at Swarthmore online.
• Our new hygienist Frankie captured the beautiful picture above. Spring is coming, beauty is still around.