Although COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted, it is still important to be cautious and maintain social distancing. However, you should not let worries about the current pandemic hold you back from receiving necessary dental treatment. In fact, dental offices have always been some of the cleanest places in the country — and now they are taking more precautions than ever before to ensure patient and team member safety. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the specific steps your dentist is taking to fight COVID-19.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) creates barriers that stop harmful microorganisms from transferring from person to person. You may notice that your dental team is wearing masks all the time, not just when they are busy treating you. They may also wear face shields, protective hats and coats, and other protective gear.
Strict Sterilization and Hygiene
To stop the spread of contagions, your dental team may:
- Follows CDC regulations for sterilizing dental instruments
- Frequently cleans any areas that are often touched
- Allows extra time between patients to clean the operatories
- Frequently washes and sanitizes their hands
- Performs a deep cleaning of the office every evening after closing
Social Distancing
Minimizing contact with other people can be one of the biggest protections against the spread of disease. Some measures that many dental offices are taking to support social distancing include:
- Setting aside dedicated hours for senior or otherwise at-risk patients.
- Establishing a virtual waiting room — check in for your appointment from your car, and when you enter the office, you’ll be able to go straight to the treatment area.
- Prohibiting handshakes and hugs. You may love your dental team, but these warm gestures of affection must be put on hold for the time being.
- Removing some chairs from the waiting area. Fewer chairs allow the dental office staff to space out the remaining chairs.
- Conducting some appointments remotely. It is often possible to conduct follow-up visits and consultations via secure teledentistry instead of having patients come into the office.
The Patient’s Role
You can help your dental team fight COVID-19 by complying with whatever reasonable requests they make of you. For example, they may not allow patients to wear gloves in the office in order to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. You might even be asked to undergo a quick health screening upon arrival for your appointment. Additionally, many dental offices have removed magazines and other activities from their waiting areas; please understand that removing these high-touch items makes the dental office a safer place.
Your dental team has always been deeply interested in both your oral and overall health. Now, they get to demonstrate how much they care by taking appropriate precautions to hinder the spread of COVID-19.
About the Author
Dr. Kristopher R. Harth earned his dental degree from the University of Florida. Since graduation, he has completed thousands of hours of continuing education. He is a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. He and the entire team at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry are committed to maintaining a safe and clean dental office. To learn more about us and how we are helping to fight COVID-19, contact us at 904-285-7711.