Eastman Dental drive-ups protect smallest patients from COVID-19 risks

Rochester, N.Y. - Every week, Elijah's parents drive four hours-round trip to Rochester. He was born with a medical condition, and those weekly trips are for his treatment.

COVID-19 adds an extra health risk, so this little patient is getting curb-side care.

"We're dealing with newborn babies. I wanted to do this in as safe a way possible for them," said pediatric dentist Dr. Erin Shope of Eastman Dental.

Elijah was born with a cleft lip and palate.

"His lips did not fuse together, and the same with the roof of his mouth. There is a wide opening," said Dr. Shope.

She showed 13WHAM a little implement with a big name: A nasoalveolar molding device, or NAM for short. It has changed Elijah's life.

"He's had a much easier time with eating. It will make his first surgery easier and his recovery a lot better," said his mom, Anna.

The NAM prepares Elijah for surgery by stretching his cartilage. Timing is critical.

"You can only do this within the baby's first few months of life because they're unique at that time. Their cartilage is very moldable," said Dr. Shope.

Yet Elijah was also born into a COVID-19 world, filled with distancing precautions. NAM requires regular contact for fittings and adjustments as he grows.

To minimize risk, Eastman Dental has instituted a drive-up service. His dentist meets the family outside at the car. The NAM is removed and taken to the lab for adjustments while Elijah and his family wait safely out in the vehicle.

"I wanted to do this with as much social distancing and least risk of exposure," said Dr. Shope.

Elijah will have his first surgery to close his lip when he is between three and five months old. This drive-up service keeps him on track for that, even in a pandemic.