From working from home to maintaining a six-foot distance from others in public, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives. These changes extend to the dentist’s office, where your dental team has implemented a wide range of new dental safety protocols designed to enhance patient safety. For example, the next time you arrange a checkup, you will likely notice your dentist and dental hygienist are wearing personal protection equipment (PPE). Interested to know more? Keep reading to learn about the 4 items of PPE your dentist is now wearing to protect themselves and patients like you.
Using Personal Protection Equipment During Dental Care
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released new infection prevention and control guidance for dentists across the country to follow during the COVID-19 health crisis. These guidelines include advice on the personal protection equipment that all dental professionals should wear to reduce the likelihood of infectious disease transmission. Essential PPE for dental care providers includes:
- #1: Surgical masks – ASTM Level 3 masks offer the maximum level of protection against tiny liquid particles or gas in the air.
- #2: Eye protection – Googles, protective eyewear with solid side shields, or full-face shields protect from accidental splashing of bodily fluids (e.g., saliva) during dental procedures.
- #3: Protective clothing – Protective gowns also protect against splashes of bodily fluids and are typically discarded or disposed of after each procedure.
- #4: Gloves – Strict hand hygiene is more important than ever in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Disposable glove use should be combined with frequent hand washing before and after each procedure.
Social Distancing at the Dentist’s Office
In addition to wearing the proper personal protection equipment, your dentist may have redesigned his or her office to help maintain six feet of distance and minimize contact between patients. Here are a few ways social distancing is being put into practice at many dental offices:
- Virtual check-in means patients can check-in from their cars and bypass the waiting room
- Fewer chairs in the waiting room or reception area
- Redesigned flow of foot traffic to make it one-way only
- Helpful signs reminding patients and staff about social distancing
- Sequenced patient scheduling means fewer patients are seen each day and more open time is maintained between each patient.
After Your Appointment
Your dentist’s commitment to cleanliness and patient safety does not end once you walk out the door and head home. After each appointment, dental staff will thoroughly clean and disinfect the treatment area and all of the dental instruments. In addition, once the office is closed for the day, they will execute a deep cleaning of the entire office so they can safely welcome new patients the next morning.
By wearing personal protection equipment and implementing a range of new dental safety protocols, your dentist’s office is safer and cleaner than ever! At a time when taking care of your oral and overall health is more important than ever, do not hesitate to start planning your next trip to the dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Stephen Dean is dedicated to helping Covington residents reach their smile goals and maintain good oral health over the long-term. The Georgia native always prioritizes patient health and safety, which is why he is closely following the latest CDC guidelines for dental care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep up to date with health and safety notices from Dean Dental Care, visit their website or call 770-786-3915.