Mount Pleasant Magazine July/August 2020

44 www.BestOfMP.com | www.ILoveMountPleasant.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com D uring a crisis, individuals and organizations have a choice of how they will react. It is an easy option to emotionally and physically shut down over situations that cannot be controlled. However, the other choice is to become a leader. The coronavirus has defined so many of our local businesses and individuals. When faced with the decision of how to react to the pandemic, Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery chose to implement a community- centered business model, and the results were immeasurable. First, of course, the surgeons and directors took a hard look at their business and questioned whether they should take the risk and remain open during an international pandemic. The team surveyed the metrics that were provided at the time by the American Dental Association and the CDC, and they made a unified decision to help their local community and assist those in need. The staff and team put into operation extreme safety procedures that would limit the chance of virus exposure to the staff and patients. They offered virtual visits, diagnosing a patient from the comfort of his or her own home. Schedulers required patients to register their information online, and, upon arrival, every patient was asked to remain in their automobile until the time of the set appointment to promote social distancing measures. The staff was provided with proper protective equipment and rooms were cleaned with medical- grade cleaner after every appointment. Every detail was considered, down to pens in the office. Patients were overjoyed and relieved with the decision to remain open when stakes were high. “I was in extreme pain, and I was frightened for my health and safety. I did not want to enter an emergency room and expose myself to the virus,” said patient Alice Thornberg. “Once I discovered that Charleston Oral and Facial Surgery remained open and that they were taking extreme precautions, I was relieved. My surgery went without a hitch, and I was overjoyed to be out of pain and with a Dedication to Reach a Community CharlestonOral and Facial Surgery BY JENN CADY