When you visit your dentist, it’s normal to ask one another, “how are you?” Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this simple question is more than just a common greeting. Instead, your answer can be crucial to combating the spread of coronavirus. Your dentist is taking a proactive approach to keep their staff, patients, and the general public healthy. Here are 5 safety precautions your dentist is taking to minimize the risk of the virus in the community.
1. Safety Champions
Your dental team has undergone advanced training in awareness and prevention to reduce the risk of coronavirus. As a result, each member of the team will be a safety champion. Every day, a dental professional is assigned to be responsible for greeting patients, ensuring social distancing, performing health checks, and monitoring the office to abide by the latest dental safety protocols.2. Patient and Staff Health Checks
Although there’s much to learn about COVID-19, research shows people can transmit the virus, even if they aren’t showing any symptoms. Your dental team will undergo a daily health assessment and no-contact temperature check to ensure they are healthy and ready to provide patients with the care they need. Upon arriving at the office, you’ll be asked a few questions about your health to ensure your wellness, such as:- Have you had a fever in the last 48 hours?
- Have you traveled outside of the U.S. in the past 30 days?
- Have you been in personal contact with anyone who has been infected with coronavirus?
- Have you experienced any signs of illness, such as coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing?
3. Changing Work Clothes at Work
Over the last several weeks, there have been many changes to your life. As a result, you might not have noticed that your dental team isn’t wearing their scrubs outside of the office anymore. Research shows harmful pathogens can be transmitted by the clothing of healthcare workers, like dentists and hygienists. To prevent cross-contamination in the community, your dental team will be changing their work clothes at work.4. Social Distancing
Believe it or not, social distancing is possible, even while at the dentist. Your dental office has implemented several changes to keep patients separate, like virtual waiting rooms, family-friendly scheduling, expanded appointments, and plastic barriers.5. Personal Protective Equipment
Your dental team will utilize personal protective equipment to provide a barrier between themselves and patients. Gloves, masks, face shields, and disposable clothing will reduce potential cross-contamination to keep you and the community safe.Choose Safe Dental Care
Although dental offices are already very clean places, your dentist has revamped their safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19. You can maintain a healthy smile without compromising your wellness.About Dr. Sara Saremi
Dr. Sara Saremi is proud to provide comprehensive dental care to families in the community. Patient safety is a top priority as the practice reopens to routine services. She has enhanced the office’s safety protocols to protect patients from harmful pathogens. If you need an appointment, contact our office today.
