Karen Harriman, DDS and Family Build N95 Masks for Essential Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic

When COVID-19 hit our country in 2020 it was an uncertain and scary time for everyone. Dental practices were mandated to close for a period of time as the Nation tried to contain the virus. Once our practice reopened Dr. Harriman knew she wanted to help her patients also working on the frontlines of the pandemic. Using www.firedbycorona.com designs created by an Atlanta dentist, Karen Harriman, DDS and her children have been making N95 masks and donating them to her patients who are essential workers.

Dr. Harriman was able to send two masks to a patient who had a team of nurses in need of N95 masks.

"We had a patient who lost her temporary crown and was in quite a bit of discomfort. We saw her in the office, and she seemed more agitated and stressed. I knew she worked in healthcare and asked her if she was still working. She told me that yes, she works in a busy hospital in Prince George's County, MD, a county that has been hit hard by COVID-19. They have been very busy, and her team had been reassigned to the ER. I inquired whether she had an N95 mask, she said yes from her previous deployment but her team did not. I asked her if she needed masks. She gratefully said yes. I shipped the masks to her house once we were completed. My children and I can make 2 masks a day."

Dr. Harriman's patient sent a sweet note to thank them, she said "I received the masks yesterday. Thank you and your son for these masks. My nurses are very appreciative."

Our dental practice is open and actively seeing patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes regular visits for exams, cleanings, and X-Rays. Our patient safety and well-being are our highest priorities. View our COVID-19 protocols here.