Due to the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, dentists throughout the country have adopted protocols to keep both staff and patients safe. Because dentistry requires close proximity between the team member and the individual receiving treatment, it is necessary for a dental practice to make sure the highest standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, and safety are observed. So what is your dentist doing to ensure better protection? Read on to learn about the 4 major precautions that are designed to keep dental offices virus-free.
Generating Awareness: Providing Additional Staff Training
This particular dental safety protocol is one of the most important, as it ensures all staff members are aware of the new changes and are trained through various prevention programs. From making sure everyone knows how to use the personal protection equipment (PPE) provided to understanding best practices for disinfecting and sanitizing equipment, surfaces, and dental instruments, organizations like the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Safety & Hazard Administration (OSHA) provide necessary information and training designed to keep dental professionals informed.
Keeping It Clean: Increasing Sanitation Efforts
Using products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), your dental team is making sure all surfaces including chairs, countertops, door handles, overhead light handles, dental instruments, and equipment are thoroughly sanitized. While your dentist is using as many disposable, single-use items as possible, it’s not always feasible, which then requires following manufacturer guidelines for proper cleaning. To ensure all areas and items are disinfected correctly, your dentist may allow for more time between appointments to complete.
From Head to Toe: Wearing Personal Protective Equipment
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see the warm and friendly smiles of the front desk staff when you arrive for your appointment. The reason is that they will be wearing a face mask to protect against harmful bacteria. And don’t expect to recognize your dentist or dental hygienist because they will be wearing gloves, protective eyewear, a disposable gown, and both a face mask and shield.
More Than Proper Handwashing: Maintaining Good Personal Hygiene
While COVID-19 has raised awareness on the importance of proper handwashing techniques, your dentist will also make sure their team maintains good, general personal hygiene. From changing into clean work clothes when they arrive as well as changing out when they leave to making sure all hair is pulled back and fingernails kept short, this reduces the number of germs and bacteria within the office.
These are just a few of the many new standards dental offices across the country are adopting. If you want to learn more about how your dentist is keeping you safe, don’t be afraid to ask when calling to schedule an appointment.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of professionals are going the extra mile to protect both staff and patients. Adhering to the recommended guidelines put forth by various national organizations, we are doing our very best to ensure our dental office remains clean and sanitized and all personnel is healthy and knowledgeable about the new protocols. When visiting our office, you can feel confident that you are in an environment that is designed to offer the highest level of protection against harmful germs and bacteria. To find out what we’re doing to keep you safe, visit our website or call (540) 432-6616.