COVID-19 Update

Caring for Our Patients

The Covid-19 pandemic has dramatically altered all of our lives.  I’m confident that we’ll emerge from this cloud but it will take time.

As in the past, we’ll continue to follow the safety recommendations from the CDC, ADA, ADPH, Alabama Dental Association, and the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners. Our number one priority must be the health and safety of our patients and team. 

There will be daily Covid-19 symptom screenings for Dr. Cowan and all team members before they are allowed to see patients. By continuing to follow our office safety measures, in place for many years, the risk of exposure to patients is very low.

We’re asking patients to self-screen before entering our office.  Please call to re-schedule your appointment if the patient has any Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, muscle aches, chest tightness, or had recent exposure with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.

If possible, please take your temperature within two hours of your appointment. Any patients with a reading above 100 degrees will be re-scheduled.

For the safety of our patients and team, there will be changes in how we provide orthodontic care.  The exact nature of these changes and how they may evolve is difficult to determine.  I can promise we will do everything possible to continue providing efficient, quality care in a safe environment.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Call us at 205-750-0081.

What to Expect

Everyone who enters our office will be asked to use hand sanitizer located at the front desk and in the reception area.

There will be a screening of all patients regarding any recent fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, a recent Covid-19 diagnosis, and recent exposure to anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.

Anyone with a positive response will be referred to their physician and their appointment will be rescheduled. Please do not come to the office if you have any Covid-19 symptoms or if there has been recent exposure to anyone with a positive diagnosis.

There will not be a check-in sheet at the front desk, so please inform us when you arrive. The patients may be asked to wait outside until we can escort them directly for care.

Our reception room space will be very limited. If possible, only patients will enter the office.  A parent or guardian can be present but no guests, siblings, or relatives will be allowed to wait in the office.

When possible, only the patient will be allowed in the treatment area.  A parent/guardian can be present if needed.

For new patients, a parent/guardian can be present for the initial examination. We discourage siblings from being present and no guests or other relatives will be allowed.

Social distancing will continue to be important and may limit the number of patients in our office.  This will likely affect appointment scheduling.  We understand that no one wants to be in treatment longer than necessary but please understand the imposed limitations are beyond our control.

Again, the safety of our patients and team is our highest priority.  We're considering several options in an effort to keep our patients on schedule.

Our brushing area will be closed for routine adjustment appointments.  It will be very important for patients to brush/clean their teeth prior to their appointment!

No food or drinks will be allowed in the office.

All magazines have been removed from the office. Sorry!

We encourage our observation and retainer check patients to use our Virtual Visit portal.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate this challenging season. We continue to pray for the health and safety of all our patients and their families.