Covid safety procedures are being added to medical offices around the country. Prior to the outbreak, your dentist’s office was one of the cleanest places you could go to for care. They followed strict sterilization and sanitation procedures to prevent the spread of germs. Now, they are even cleaner thanks to the implementation of additional policies. Read on to find out about steps dental teams are taking to protect their patients while providing their usual services.
New Uniform Requirements
Prior to the outbreak, it wouldn’t have been unusual to see dentists or their team members walking around a local grocery store in their scrubs. Today, that’s no longer an option. Dental professionals changing out of their work uniforms at their offices to prevent spreading germs they might have picked up during the day. They are also using single use gowns and shoe coverings for further protection while working with patients.
Additional Protective Equipment
Face masks have been standard at dental practices for a long time. New personal protective equipment such as N95 masks and plastic face shields provide a new layer of protection for both patients and staff.
Rigorous Handwashing
Handwashing has always been important at your local dentist’s office. Staff were required to wash their hands before and after seeing each patient. Now they do so any time they make contact with a patient or step outside of a treatment area. Patients at many practices are also now required to wash their hands prior to starting their appointments.
Fewer Appointments, More Cleaning Time
Dental practices have always had less people moving through them during the day than a regular hospital prior to the pandemic. Since it started, dental practices are only further limiting their patient loads so they can have more time to properly disinfect treatment rooms after each patient.
New Rules For Patients
When a patient does come in for care, they are going to notice some changes in how they start their appointment. Some offices are permitting patients to wait in their cars until their scheduled start time. Once they enter the office, they will still be greeted with enthusiasm, but from behind plastic barriers at the check in desk. Patients may also be required to rinse with antiseptic mouthwash before their treatment begins to minimize the spread of germs from their mouth. Some offices have even installed air purifiers in operatories to catch germs that do make it out of patients’ mouths.
Sterilization of Dental Tools
Dental offices have always followed CDC guidelines for sterilizing the tools that enter your mouth. These practices continue to be followed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dentists know that oral health problems don’t stop just because of a global pandemic. With these new procedures, they will be able to handle any issue in your mouth while keeping you safe from the coronavirus.
About The Author
Dr. Cher Rich is proud to provide dental care services to the residents of Houston. She graduated with her dental degree from the University of Texas at Houston Dental School in 2002. During these times, her goal remains providing patients with the best smiles possible. If you would like to know if she can treat a dental issue you are facing, you can contact her through her website or at 281-469-6281.