During this time, it can be stressful leaving your home. It is difficult to know which places are safe and where you should be avoiding in order to reduce your chances of getting sick. However, just because we’re living in the midst of a pandemic doesn’t mean that you should be neglecting your dental care. Your dentist has implemented many new COVID-19 safety protocols in order to keep the office safe during this time. This includes using additional personal protective equipment to reduce the spread of airborne pathogens. Continue reading to learn more about the new precautionary measures.
What Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Is My Dentist Using?
At the dental office, safety is a top priority. This is why your dental staff is using more PPE than usual at this time. This includes:
- Surgical Masks: Your dentist always wears a surgical mask when working close with patients. This serves as a protective barrier in order to prevent the spread of germs that can travel through the air.
- Gloves: In addition to frequent handwashing, your dentist will be wearing disposable gloves when working in patients’ mouths. This is nothing new for your dental team. Gloves are disposed after every patient.
- Face Shields: Not only is your dentist using masks to prevent the spread of illnesses. The clinical team will be protecting you and themselves through the use of an FDA approved PET face shield as an additional protective barrier.
- Protective Clothing: Whenever it is deemed necessary, the team will be using another layer of protection to minimize the spread of particles. This includes disposable, protective coats and hats.
What Else is My Dentist Doing to Protect Patients?
There are numerous other COVID-19 safety protocols being taken to keep patients safe. Here are just a few of them:
- Daily Health Checks: When the team comes into the office, they are asked a set of questions and given a no-touch temperature check.
- Anti-Microbial Rinse: At the beginning of your appointment, you will be asked to swish an Oracare solution around your mouth to reduce bacteria.
- Patient Pre-Screening: All patients are asked to complete a health questionnaire, consent form, and a no-touch temperature check when arriving at the office.
- Air Filtration: Your dentist has air filters connected to a HVAC system that cleans the air in every operatory.
- Sequenced Patient Scheduling: Appointments have been spread out further than usual. This reduces the number of patients in the office at one time and allows for additional cleaning.
Your dentist is doing everything in their power to keep themself and their patients safe during this time. With all of these new measures in place, you can attend your appointment with peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Dinesh Patel is a family dentist serving patients in Waterford, PA. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the State University at Buffalo and completed a post-graduate general dentistry residency at the Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo. Dr. Patel and his team are implementing 22 new COVID-19 safety protocols to keep the office as safe as possible. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (814) 923-4510.