Since Friday May 8, 2020 the Governor has modified the COVID-19  proclamation to allow all dental services, that is in now in effect until June 26, 2021. Indications are that the proclamations for dentistry will then cease and the Iowa Board of Dental Examiners will again be our rule making body.  

For people residing in Cerro Gordo county there has a total of 5982 cases and 5370 recovered since it first came to our county in March 2020. 

Dr. Hardinger now has received, through Mercy One, the second dose of the Moderna vaccine.  In Cerro Gordo County, 23,222 individuals have been given their second dose of the vaccine. Rounding up about 1,444,000 Iowans have completed their vaccine of about 3.1 million individuals in Iowa or about 45% of all Iowans are vaccinated.  My guess is that about 60% of Iowans have the antibody including those gotten naturally and those vaccinated. 

Dental services are allowed contingent on compliance with “Back To Practice” document by the Iowa Board. There remains a shortage of PPE and this document, which among other things, states that “the dentist has adequate inventories of PPE without relying on state or local stockpiles.” This will limit my practice and priority must be given to patients with dental problems.  Certainly risks remain yet we have taken many safety measures, which I can sum up by this,

                “If it is safe and healthy for us then it is also for you.” 

The  dental office is open for current patients during our regular office hours from 8-5 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays. 

It is a lot of extra time and attention to detail, and I am sure you will notice these changes when you come. My office staff and I don’t mind protecting you and ourselves as we strive to implement the “Back To Practice” safeguards and requirements allowed by the governor.

Here are a few of the main safety precautions:

• Please call to reschedule your appointment if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or have been in contact with anyone symptomatic.
• We will be seeing one patient at a time.
• Only scheduled patients will be permitted into the dental office at the time of their appointment.
• Scheduled patients will be screened prior to being treated and temperatures will be taken.

Don’t hesitate to call our office at 641-423-6172 if you have any questions or concerns.