Before the outbreak of COVID-19, your dental team had a fairly simple procedure for preparing to see you. They would thoroughly wash their hands, put on fresh personal protective equipment (PPE), make sure their instruments were sterile, and then get to work. Now, though, things have changed. Additional measures are necessary to ensure a safe environment where the risk of contamination is next to nothing. In this article, a dentist in Rochester explains some of the safety protocols that are now in place to protect both you and your dental team.
Safety Champions
Every member of your dental team is a safety champion. That is to say, they have taken the time to become educated on all the little and big things that they can do to prevent the spread of contagions. They are committed to following safety rules that may seem insignificant but that can make a huge difference in the long run. They also encourage others to be safe by promoting social distancing, answering patients’ questions about the practice’s policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, and reminding each other of the importance of following all safety guidelines.
Daily Health Checks
Your dental team cares about you and loves to see you — but they would never work if they knew there was even the slightest chance that they could cause you to become ill. That is why they happily submit to a simple and quick health screening before they start work each day. The screening includes a contactless temperature check and a brief questionnaire that assesses whether they may have contracted COVID-19.
Patients are also required to undergo a health screening prior to their appointment. Your dental team very much appreciates your cooperation in this matter!
Changing Clothes at Work
In the “old days,” you might have seen dental team members wearing their stylish scrubs at the post office or grocery store. Now, though, you will no longer see that. Every staff member travels to work in their normal clothes. When they get to the office, they change into freshly cleaned scrubs. This practice ensures that their outside clothes will not transmit any contagions to patients.
Additional Measures
Being safety champions, conducting daily health checks, and changing clothes at work are just a few of the ways in which your dental team prepares for your visits during COVID-19. Additional steps they are taking include:
- Wearing additional PPE, including face shields and special masks
- Cleaning the operatories after every patient
- Using up a virtual waiting room so you can check in for your appointment from your car
- And more!
Your dental team cares deeply about your well-being, and they are taking action to prove it. There is no need to hold back from receiving necessary oral health treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can attend your appointments with total confidence that you are entering a safe and clean environment.
About the Author
Dr. Colin Gentling is a dentist with more than 40 years of experience. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, and he is a Fellow of the American Endodontic Society. Dr. Gentling and our entire team at Gentling Dental Care are proud to be able to continue to provide world-class dental care even during the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about how we are working to maintain a safe dental office, contact us at (507) 288-7379.