GAHANNA, Ohio - When Governor Mike DeWine announced Friday’s reopening would include dentists and veterinarians, Dr. James Hutta was slightly surprised.
“We were told it could be another two weeks, another month,” he says from his office in Gahanna. He has another office in Westerville.
“We’re ready to go, but the problem is, there isn't enough PPE for all the dentists because it’s all given to hospitals and first responders which is where it needs to be,” Hutta told 10TV morning news anchor Angela An.
Hutta says fortunately, he had some PPE on backorder which was received a couple of days ago. While personal protection and sterilization has been a norm in his business, Hutta has made several noticeable changes to his office.
Patients will notice a new sanitary station with masks, gloves, and hand sanitizer.
“We're going to take everyone's temperature,” Hutta explained while demonstrating with a no-touch thermometer. He also put up glass partitions in the reception area and private consultation rooms along with social distancing chairs in the waiting lounge and exam room.
“We've been planning for this, we knew this was going to come someday, getting us back to work,” he says. “I’m happy it's going to be Friday.”
Hutta says he plans to use Friday as a day to welcome back the staff and train them on the new safety protocols. Patients can begin returning to his practice Monday, although Hutta admits it’ll most likely be one-third of his normal patient capacity to start.