Since the recent outbreak of COVID-19, everyone has been understandably obsessed with keeping themselves clean and germ-free. In these times, you might be apprehensive about visiting your dentist for emergency care. Did you know, however, that dental practices are some of the cleanest places in the whole country? This is because they follow strict protocols set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Keep reading to learn some of these guidelines.
Hand Hygiene
Maintaining clean hands is the most important way for dental professionals to prevent the spread of germs. Your dentist will make sure to wash their hands in these situations:
- When their hands are visibly soiled
- After touching instruments barehanded that are likely to be contaminated by bodily fluids like blood or saliva
- Before and after treating each patient
- Before putting on gloves and immediately after taking gloves off
Your dentist and their staff will use soap and water to wash their hands if bodily fluids have been involved. In other situations, they may simply apply an alcohol-based hand rub.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to wearable equipment that protects dental professionals from contact with infectious germs. Examples of PPE include masks, gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. The entire staff of your dentist’s office will be properly educated on how to wear these items and how they stop the spread of germs. They will replace gloves after every patient to prevent one patient’s germs from being spread to another, and perform proper hand hygiene after removing the gloves.
Respiratory Hygiene
Also known as cough etiquette, respiratory hygiene is designed to limit the spread of germs in droplets produced when someone coughs, sneezes, or even exhales. Your dentist should post a sign near the front of their office with suggestions for patients to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing. Make sure to use your elbow and not your hand, as that could spread germs when you touch something. Your dentist may also offer masks to any patients with a cough or other coronavirus-like symptoms.
Rest assured that your dentist follows all of these CDC-mandated protocols and more to a T. Your dental team cares about your safety more than anything, which is why they’re doing their part to slow the spread of the virus and other germs at all times. If you need to visit your dentist for emergency treatment, you don’t need to worry about getting sick.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean earned his doctorate at the Medical University of South Carolina. In addition, he has achieved a Fellowship in the International Dental Implant Association, as well as memberships in several professional organizations like the American Dental Association. Although his practice is currently only open for emergency procedures, you can rest easy knowing that his office remains clean and safe during this time. If you find yourself experiencing a dental emergency in the Covington, GA area, contact Dean Dental Care at (770) 786-3915.