When we take a moment to and reflect upon the past year, I can’t help but feel overwhelmingly thankful.

Despite the unexpected challenges and hardships encountered, we grew stronger with the help of the people around us—our patients, coworkers, family, and larger community—and pulled through it in ways I probably wouldn’t have anticipated.

In this year like no other, five areas really stood out for me and I’d like to share them with you.

1. Our Patients

We wouldn’t be here without you.

Our dental clinic may not have survived the initial three-month closure, if it weren’t for your understanding and support while our team adjusted to the new reality of working in a COVID-19 high-risk profession.

You were patient as we got accustomed to the change in procedures, along with wearing layers of PPE (personal protection equipment).

You followed unfamiliar, extensive safety protocols. You were understanding that we required more time in between appointments.

You continuously told us how happy you were that we were open again. You asked us how we were doing, among other meaningful gestures. We really felt cared for and supported throughout.

You trusted us, and sent even more referrals to Sullivan Heights Dental. For that we are forever grateful for your support.

2. The Team

As essential health care workers, the Sullivan Heights Dental team – Jaspreet, Shannon, Sandy, Dr. Naik, Prab, Christine & Tav – braved a challenging situation in the workplace and worked through it with incredible dedication.

They continue to show up at work with smiles on their faces.

During the office closure, we worked together to determine how to meet new standards and develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan in order to obtain approval to re-open the clinic. One of our biggest challenges was the PPE: Obtaining it, managing the supply, and getting used to wearing it (somehow Shannon figured out how to skip through the office in it).

PPE was like gold initially—valuable and in short supply. The team closely managed our stash by working magic with appointment times, to ensure we’d have the necessary PPE in order to safely treat patients.

The team was understanding in extending work hours and adjusting schedules to not only accommodate the backlog of the patients who required dental treatment, but also to allow for proper disinfection of treatment rooms between patients.

Despite longer and more stressful work days, there were no complaints. Everyone followed the intensive new protocols closely to better serve our patients.

3. The Little Things

New patients were understanding when I couldn’t sit down and get to know you better in the consult room. (It’s hard to greet people warmly while maintaining distance and wearing a mask. My handshaking is on hold!)

It was difficult to close the waiting area and remove the amenities. It made us realize how much patients appreciate being able to relax there before an appointment with a beverage or using the iPads. Or to have it as a comfortable place to wait for family members.

4. Our Sullivan Heights Community

We already knew this, but we saw more evidence that our Sullivan Heights community is a special one, united around advocating for small businesses.

Our community came out in full support, and continue to show up.

I’m impressed by, and appreciative of, the resilience that everyone has shown during this pandemic. Without the support of our patients and the wider community, we would have not been able to get through this.

5. Health & Family

When the pandemic waves were big in the beginning, it forced us to stop, reflect, and examine our life rafts (support systems).

Being able to spend more quality time with my wife and young children became an unexpected highlight. It taught me not to take any moment for granted.

When we were able to return to the clinic, I was grateful for the opportunity to take care of patients and their families who depend on us for their oral health needs.

And we’re all fortunate that we have remained in good health during the pandemic.

We hope that you and your families stay safe, and look forward to seeing you in the office again in 2021. Sending you the warmest of wishes, and thanks for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Dr. Himmat Bajwa