Update 27/04/20
Dear Valued Patients and Families,
Following the latest advice from government, health authorities, the Dental Association (ADA) and our Australian Society of Orthodontics (ASO), Dr Steve Stramotas and his orthodontic team are happy to announce that our practice has now re-opened. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and understanding during this challenging time, and particularly thank you for your kind and thoughtful messages of support, which were well received and very comforting.
While there are still some restrictions regarding the types of orthodontic procedures we can perform, we are able to begin seeing patients again. New patients can also be seen and due to the nature of our ‘staggered’ approach to starting, this provides a great opportunity for anyone considering orthodontic treatment to get in and get started as soon as possible. The orthodontic laboratories are relatively quiet at the moment and orthodontic appliances can be manufactured and fitted with a relatively short turnaround time. No referrals are required, and I will communicate with your dental practitioner.
Our competent front desk team (the Angela’s and Baiba) will be in touch with you as soon as possible to schedule or reschedule any appointments required. For those that feel they need to call and schedule ‘urgent’ appointments, we encourage you to do so. We do ask that you please bear with us at this time as we are doing our best to contact all current patients and we shall accommodate you all as quickly as possible.
Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to us. Dr Stramotas and his team will continue to operate with additional precautions in place to best protect you and our staff. Importantly: If you, or the person/s accompanying you:
Are being tested for Coronavirus or have a positive result
OR if you have recently been in contact with anyone who has travelled internationally in the past 14 days
OR if you have had contact with someone diagnosed with or suspected of having coronavirus in the last 14 days
OR if you, or the person/s accompanying you, have an itchy throat, cough, high temperature or any flu-like symptoms
We ask that you PLEASE POSTPONE any orthodontic appointments for at least 14 days.
We also ask that when visiting our practice, please hand sanitize (provided) observe the ‘health and safety information’ displayed and follow the directions of practice staff. We will, in these unprecedented times, request that once checked-in only patients enter the clinic area and parents or guardians please wait outside. This will allow us to strictly follow the social distancing rules and will help to reduce any risk of spread of infection in both the reception and clinical areas. Dr Steve and Dr Simone will be more than happy to discuss treatment progress and answer any questions once the orthodontic adjustment is completed either face to face with parents or guardians or by phone if needed.
We are extremely pleased to be back caring for you all and providing the best orthodontic service possible. If you have any questions or concerns or an urgent need prior to your appointment, please contact us via phone or email.
We look forward to seeing you very soon.
Yours sincerely
Dr Steve Stramotas, Dr Simone Mustac and the team at Sydney Smile Specialists Randwick (Specialist Orthodontists)
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UPDATE 27/03/20:
Valued patients,
Due to Government regulations we have closed our practice until further notice.
Please note: Only emergency orthodontic cases will be seen by appointment only.
Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Dr Steve Stramotas and the Team at Sydney Smile Specialists Randwick
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Dear Patient
As a valued Patient, I’d like to personally update you on the evolving 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, and the precautions we are taking in our Orthodontic practice.
The health and safety of our patients and staff is always our top priority. While the overall risk in Australia of contracting COVID-19 in the community remains low, we’re taking a number of steps to enhance your protection in our practice. We have regular meetings and updates to discuss our ongoing response in order to ensure we have the latest information from Australian Medical and Dental Associations and also other health authorities.
We also ask any patients who firstly have recently returned from international travel or are in close contact with individuals or family members who have recently returned from abroad or present unwell with flu-like symptoms to please see their doctor and to defer any orthodontic appointments for at least 2 weeks (14 days).
Hygiene practices
To date thank goodness we have not had any patients confirmed with transmission of COVID-19. Despite this, it’s important you’re aware that we maintain the highest hygiene and cleaning practices in our orthodontic practice and on the building surrounds.
We’re closely following all advice received from Australian Medical and Dental Association, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO), regarding precautions needed to minimise risks concerned with COVID-19. We’re following the recommended health and safety precautions and are continuing to provide the latest updates to our staff.
We’re ensuring that our doctors, therapists, chair side assistants and the front desk staff maintain high hygiene standards, including practicing proper hand sanitising procedures and adhering to the appropriate greeting and coughing etiquette. Our reception, clinic area and toilets are equipped with hand sanitizers and clinical staff wear masks, gloves and safety glasses when working on patients.
Practice cleaning
We uphold the highest standards when it comes to cleaning our practice and have strict cleaning protocols set in place. Our practice is cleaned on a daily basis after business hours by professional cleaners. This includes the use of an antibacterial, antimicrobial cleaning product that reduces the risk of harmful viruses, moulds, fungus, algae and any other possible harmful pathogenic bacteria.
If you have any further questions regarding the health and safety measures we’re taking and also regarding our cleaning practices, please do not hesitate to ask. Your health and safety are our first priority.
Dr Steve Stramotas and the Team at Sydney Smile Specialists Randwick