INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROTOCOLS (IPAC)

Updated April 2026

To all of our patients, families and those that visit the orthodontic office of Dr. Hali Dale,

As we continue, as a society, to maneuver our way through the many stages of the Covid 19 pandemic, Dr. Dale would like to provide an update to the infection control protocols in the office.

On August 19 2024, the Royal College of Dental Surgeons rescinded the Covid 19 specific guidance protocols in Dental offices through the guidance of the Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health. All dentists continue to have an obligation to adhere to the College’s current infection prevention and control (IPAC) requirements as set out in the College’s Standard of Practice.

The office will continue to adhere to the very strict infection control standards for dental practices, in order to keep all of us safe and protected during the coming months, and in the future. Our staff has been trained to continue with the recommended protocols. Medical grade HEPA air purifiers are in place to keep air clean throughout the office and aerosol generating procedures are minimized. Use of personal protective gear such as masks, gloves and gowns are utilized as well as disinfectants effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Mouth rinse, hand sanitizer, disinfectant sprays and wipes are available throughout the office.

When we see you at your next appointment please be advised of the following:

Patients will be continued to be screened for symptoms of illness, infectious and communicable diseases, not just specific to Covid 19, when an appointment is scheduled on the phone and you will be asked the same questions the morning of your appointment.

The College advises dentists to continue to avoid the in-person care of patients who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 positive, unless it cannot be avoided (i.e., in an urgent or emergency situation).

Please advise our office of any symptoms of illness you may be experiencing prior to your appointment and our office will be happy to reschedule for another visit.
All appointments are to be made by phone. Confirmation of appointments may be made by phone or email.

Financial payments are continued to be carried out electronically, not in office. Masks are continued to be worn at our office. NOT TO WORRY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A MASK AS OUR OFFICE WILL PROVIDE ONE ON ENTRY INTO THE OFFICE, ALONG WITH HAND SANITIZER. Temperatures will still be taken for all patients, staff and visitors to the office.

You will be asked to wait outside our office or in your car and to call us, on the phone, to indicate that you have arrived at the building. Once the last patient has been dismissed, you would be asked to proceed to the office. Only those with scheduled appointments are allowed in the office.

Please brush your teeth prior to arriving for your appointment as being able to brush chairside will not be possible as yet. Please do not bring drinks or food into the office.

The reception room will no longer offer magazines or books as they are not easily sanitized. Only one patient is presently being seen by Dr. Dale at the present time. The Royal College of Dental Surgeons continue to recommend limiting the amount of individuals in a reception area or enclosed spaces.

The owners of 1849 Yonge Street, Northwest Properties have returned the building to pre-pandemic operations, including the removal of posted capacity limits in washrooms and elevators, the removal of directional signage outlining one-way travel paths in common areas, and ending the requirement to wear a mask in the building common areas. Given the building’s healthcare-related use, Northwest continues to encourage the use of masks or face coverings in the building and to encourage any additional protective measures that each medical/dental practitioners choose to implement in individual suites.

Rest assured, all of these procedures are designed to create the safest environment for you, your families, our patients and our dedicated orthodontic team. We thank you so much for your continued cooperation and understanding. We will continue to keep you informed as Public Health advises our governing bodies and ourselves of changes to any protocols.

Also, the parking garage on Merton Street is permanently closed. The following are some options for those requiring parking:

● Impark under the Davisville Centre 1920 Yonge Street
● 33 Davisville. Just east of Yonge St. Entrance to garage beside Hasty Market
● 68 Merton St. East of Yonge St. North side. Under condominium.
● Street parking if available.

Thank you so much for your patience, support and loyalty throughout the past few YEARS! We value your trust and look forward to our ongoing relationships.

Sincerely, Dr. Hali Dale

Resources