As we near the end of the year (dare I say, finally), I want to take a moment to thank our team and patients for all of their support and friendship.  We have continued to take care of our clients in the best way possible, dentally, and personally, while taking all of the precautions needed to treat patients safely.  A number of you have taken the time to answer our patient survey following treatment, and your responses have been gratifying to us; some of them can be seen on the SolutionReach website.  We’ve also enjoyed being back in the office and visiting with you in person.  In fact, one long time patient and friend said yesterday, “When I got a call from Amy saying she had an opportunity for me to come in for a cleaning at 7:15, I couldn’t wait!”

Among other reasons, including “getting up, getting out of the house, and having something to do,” we were able to take care of his exam, X-rays, and cleaning and scheduled him to fix a broken tooth.  (We’ve seen lots of these during the pandemic, which some have attributed to stress and grinding of teeth that often accompanies it – in both the daytime and nighttime.)  He was also anxious to get in before the end of the calendar year to use some benefits he had remaining, which may also apply to some of you.  Additionally, he mentioned that it was great to see everyone on our team back at work.  Thankfully, Amy, Karin, Traci, Deb, Debbie, and Alysia are all still with us, ranging from six to fourteen years in or office – with an average of 30 and 1/2 years of experience in dentistry..My wife Wendy continues to work from home on much of the administrative work that needs to be done.

We’re also taking the opportunity to improve some of the spaces and equipment in our office.  The sterilization area is being reworked to improve our efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of safety.  Our sterile water system is being upgraded, as is our computer system, to ensure that patient information is being safeguarded to the highest level.  In October, we spend an afternoon doing our annual review of OSHA and HIPPA  requirements and standards with an expert in those fields.  Our group has also used some of our extra time at home to take online Continuing Education courses in hygiene, techniques, materials, and patient communication.  (To this, might late mother Helen might have said, while winking, “You sure know how to have a good time…”)

In any case, we thank you for communicating with us and for taking the time to keep up with our office at ClevelandSmiles.  We look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Steve Marsh

P.S  On a personal note, I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to be back at work, though I do miss Wendy in the office for now.  Like most of you, and as I alluded to earlier in this letter, it’s about the only time I’ve gotten to be with other people during this period, and I don’t take it for granted.  I know our team feels the same way about being together with each other and our patients.  As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays, we wish each of you health and happiness for the remainder of this year and into 2021!