Dwight W Eckard DDS

*An exact date for re-opening will be determined by guidance from the California Department of Public Health. 4/30/2020 Dear Patients:... We hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. Our community has been through a lot over the last few months, and all of us are looking forward to resuming our normal habits and routines. While many things have changed, one thing has remained the same: our commitment to your safety. Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice and you may have seen this during your visits to our office. Our infection control processes are made so that when you receive care, it's both safe and comfortable. We want to tell you about the infection control procedures we follow in our practice to keep patients and staff safe. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are up-to-date on any new rulings or guidance that may be issued. We do this to make sure that our infection control procedures are current and adhere to each agencies' recommendations. You may see some changes when it is time for your next appointment. We made these changes to help protect our patients and staff. For example: -Our office will communicate with you beforehand to ask some screening questions. You'll be asked those same questions again when you are in the office. -We have hand sanitizer that we will ask you to use when you enter the office. You will also find some in the reception area and other places in the office for you to use as needed. -You may see that our waiting room will no longer offer magazines, children's toys and so forth, since those items are difficult to clean and disinfect. -Appointments will be managed to allow for social distancing between patients. That might mean that you're offered fewer options for scheduling your appointment. -We will do our best to allow greater time between patients to reduce waiting times for you, as well as to reduce the number of patients in the reception area at any one time. We look forward to seeing you again and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the steps we take to keep you, and every patient, safe in our practice. To make an appointment, please call our office at (951) 676-1480 or visit our website at Eckarddental.com. Thank you for being our patient. We value your trust and loyalty and look forward to welcoming back our patients, neighbors and friends. Sincerely, Dwight Eckard D.D.S.

April 3, 2020 Dear Patients, The Covid-19 pandemic has put all of us in uncharted territory. I never would have thought that the entire dental profession would be forced into an almost complete shut down. To comply with the State's mandatory closures, our office will remain closed through April 30th.... I continue to be available for emergencies and can be reached through the office 951-676-1480. We will continue to keep you informed . Stay home! Stay Safe! Stay Healthy ! Dr. Eckard

March 20, 2020 To my patients: Yesterday, Gov. Newsom issued new recommendations with a statewide "Stay at Home Order". Just a few days ago, the recommended closure period for businesses was 2 weeks, but with the new advisory that time is now indeterminate.... In accordance with these orders, all appointments scheduled for the week of March 23-27 are canceled. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. This is impacting all of us and we are committed to doing what is best for our patients and staff. Additional cancellations may be likely, but I will make the decision a week at a time based on the most current recommendations and conditions. Rest assured I am available for emergencies as needed and can be reached through the office phone number (951) 676-1480. Sincerely, Dwight Eckard, DDS

A Message from Dr. Eckard re: COVID-19 March 16, 2020 To my patients:... First and foremost I send my wishes for your present and future health and well-being. We are in a challenging and ever evolving time with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Unfortunately there are many unknown variables. One fact however is clear and that is that social distancing and isolation does interrupt the transmission cycle. The California Dental Association late on Sunday evening issued the following urgent directive: The California Dental Association strongly recommends that dentists practicing in California voluntarily suspend non-essential or non-urgent dental care for the next 14 days. I am complying with this directive and cancelling appointments March 16 through March 20. I will reevaluate the rest of the month in accordance with the prevailing conditions and best medical recommendations. I apologize for the inconveniences this causes but if it prevents even one case of viral spread then it was worth it. I am available for emergencies as needed and can be reached by patients of record through the office. Sincerely, Dwight Eckard D.D.S.