Before the outbreak of COVID-19, dentists and their team members had a fairly simple protocol for preparing to see patients. They would thoroughly wash their hands, put on fresh personal protective gear, and get to work. Now, however, in-office procedures have changed. In this article, you will learn about some of the measures that your dentist and their team are taking to keep you safe and healthy during these uncertain times.
Safety Champion
Every single member of your dental team is serious about safety. However, having one person assigned to be a safety champion each day helps to keep everyone on track when it comes to following anti-COVID-19 precautions. This person’s primary focus is to make sure that the dental office is as safe as possible. They may encourage social distancing and hand sanitizing among patients, answer your questions about our safety protocols, remind their colleagues about the importance of following even the smallest safety regulations, and perform other tasks that make the dental office a safer, healthier place.
Health Checks of Staff and Patients
Your dental team loves to see you, but they would never knowingly put you at-risk of contracting illness. That is why they submit to a health screening each day before they start work. The screening includes a contactless temperature check and a quick health questionnaire to ensure that they are free of COVID-19 symptoms.
You may also be asked to undergo a quick health screening before you receive treatment. Having your temperature taken and answering a few simple questions is one way that you do your part in maintaining a contagion-free dental office environment.
Changing Clothes at Work
In the past, you may have seen members of your dental team wearing their scrubs while they were running errands around town. Now, though, you will not see that. Instead of changing into their scrubs at home, they wear their normal clothes while they are traveling to the office. Upon arrival, they change into freshly cleaned scrubs, then change back into their normal clothes before they head home. This practice minimizes the risk that the virus that causes COVID-19 will be transferred to patients from a dental worker’s clothes.
Additional Measures
The above sections touch on just a few of the things that your dental team is doing to prepare for your visits. Additional measures they may be taking include:
- Wearing extra personal protective equipment
- Frequently sanitizing all high-touch surfaces
- Deep cleaning the office every evening after closing
- And More!
If you have questions about how your dentist is doing their part to fight the spread of COVID-19, feel free to contact them so they can address your concerns. Then, you can attend your next appointment with total confidence that the dental office is a safe place.
About the Author
Dr. Stephanie Walker completed her dental degree at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 2006. Since then, she has continued to hone her skills through experience and advanced education at prestigious institutions, including the Dawson Academy. She and the whole team at Pearl Dentistry are committed to your safety and health during the COVID-19 crisis. To learn more about how we are protecting you and our community, contact us at 720-440-9296.