Keeping you safe from germs has always been a priority for your dentist. Regular handwashing, protective masks, and CDC approved sterilization procedures were just some of the many ways they protected you. However, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have been researching and implementing additional procedures to prevent the virus from reaching patients and staff. If you’re interested in learning more about them, keep reading!
Changes To The Office
Helping people follow social distancing guidelines and minimizing close contact has become a new goal at many practices. Dental offices are making this possible by:
- Removing chairs in waiting rooms and allowing patients to sit in their cars until their official appointment times.
- Installing clear plastic barriers at the front desk areas.
- Creating a one-way flow of traffic through the office.
Pre-Treatment Procedures
When you arrive for your appointment, you’re going to need to complete a few additional steps before entering the treatment room, such as:
- Disinfecting your hands in a new hospital grade hand sanitizing station.
- Rinsing your mouth with an anti-microbial solution to kill bacteria and viral particles.
Staff Precautions
The team at your local dentist’s office is making sure they don’t accidentally spread the virus to you after seeing other patients. In addition to taking advanced training courses, they are also:
- Answering a series of questions and completing no contact temperature checks daily to determine if they have symptoms of the virus.
- Designating one member of the team as the safety champion for the day. This person is responsible for making sure everyone knows how to follow the new safety policies.
- Changing in and out of their work clothes at the office.
- Limiting unnecessary contact by not greeting patients with hugs and handshakes.
- Using more personal protective equipment. Front desk workers are all using ASTM Level 3 masks. Staff who interact with patients are also using N95 masks, as well disposable coats, face shields, and shoe coverings.
New Treatment Technology
When your dentist is working on your mouth, they’re going to be using additional pieces of equipment to help fight the spread of viral particles. High speed suction devices will allow them to capture these particles before they escape your mouth. Any that do make it out will be trapped by the air purifiers that have been installed in each treatment room.
More Disinfection Times
Practices are cleaning surfaces more often. In addition to thoroughly wiping down operatories after each appointment, they are also deep cleaning the office at the end of the day. These measures help get rid of any germs that might be lingering on surfaces.
In order to perform truly great dentistry, your dentist needs to safeguard the health of your entire body. These procedures may make your next appointment feel a little different, but they will allow you to have peace-of-mind while receiving excellent care.
About the Author
Since graduating from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 2000, Dr. Christine Laster has made it her priority to stay current with the latest advancements in dentistry. Through continuing education and memberships with the American Dental Association and the North Carolina Dental Society, she is constantly learning about the best ways to keep patients safe from COVID-19 while giving them beautiful smiles. If you’re interested in learning more about how she can help you, you can reach out to her through her website or at 919-787-0355.
