Office Closure Resources for Orthodontists

Office Closure Steps

AAO Recommended Steps:

1. Notify your employees: Access HR-related information that the AAO has compiled, which includes a variety of recommendations regarding the coronavirus and team members.
2. Develop a process and assign responsibilities for notifying patients and re-scheduling appointments. 
3. Notify your patients:
   • Develop a written announcement for social media, the practice website and a possible email to patients. Explain why the decision was made and provide the planned time frame for the closure.
     • Download sample letter template.
     • Download sample social media post
4. Notify any other key suppliers, especially those that may have pending or regularly scheduled shipments
5. Reschedule appointments. 
   • If patients will be called by your team for re-scheduling, clearly state such information in your closure announcement so you are leading the charge, and patients aren’t all trying to call and re-schedule at once.
6. Mitigate the long-term financial impact on your practice and utilize AAO financial resources related to COVID-19. 
7. Stay in touch. Keep your patients and team members informed with virtual meetings and social media. 
   • Explore these 5 free virtual meeting tools & educate yourself on cyber security measures for orthodontic offices during this time. 
   • Share AAO blog “My Orthodontist’s Office is Closed. What Does That Mean for my Treatment?” with your patients.
   • Consider other fun ideas, like sending handwritten notes or calling patients to check in.
8. Monitor the AAO’s COVID-19 Resource Center for updated information daily and keep an eye on recommendations and news from health agencies. 
   • CDC information related to case counts by state (updated regularly);
   • State and territorial health department websites;
   • State and provincial dental boards
   • American Dental Association compilation:  State Governor and State Society Position Statements (3/18)
9. Earn continuing education credit. Now is a great time to stay connected with the orthodontic community virtually. Explore our upcoming educational opportunities. 
10. Prepare for when you reopen. 

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