Since the emergence of COVID-19 back in March, your dentist in Chesterton has developed some new safety protocols to prioritize your wellbeing during your visit. Before your appointment, the entire dental staff will be preparing by following strict CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. Read on to learn what steps are being taken for everyone’s safety at your dental practice.
Staff Safety Checks
Each day, as the dental team enters the office, they will have a wellness check conducted where they will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and have their temperature taken. This will ensure that the staff who will be treating you will be healthy when they come into the office. Plus, since this will take place before they enter the practice, it also keeps the treatment area sterile.
Prepping PPE
Upon their arrival to work, your dental staff will be outfitted in PPE to help reduce the spread of saliva droplets from patient-to-patient or staff-to-patient. The equipment includes, an N95 mask, overmask, gloves, eye protection, face shield, and a disposable gown. Between patients, the overmasks will be disposed of and replaced, and the reusable PPE, such as the protective eyewear, will be sanitized.
Advanced Staff Training
Dental staff is already well-trained on proper infection control practices and certified on all OSHA standards each year. In addition to this, they are also charged with completing a checklist of sanitation and disinfection tasks throughout the day to maintain a completely sterile treatment environment. With regular skill-refreshers and a strict disinfection checklist, the dental staff is able to prevent contamination of the entire practice.
Eliminating Office Clutter
To reduce the risk of the spread of germs and bacteria, all office clutter, such as waiting room magazines, will be removed. Any communally used items and surfaces, such as pens, will be regularly disinfected throughout the day as well.
Brief Patients Before Appointments
Before your scheduled visit, your dental staff will instruct you on any safety precautions to follow, including wearing a mask to the office and conducting an over-the-phone screening. Your dentist will provide you with hand sanitizer and tissues so you can continue to keep sanitized throughout your appointment without having to bring your own supplies in. This also prevents any cross-contamination.
With these additional measures being taken, your dentist is being sure to prioritize the health of your community and family while continuing to provide high-quality dental care. If you have any questions about what the additional steps being made to prepare for your arrival are, you can always ask over the phone as well.
About the Author
Dr. Danny Hayes is currently accepting new and existing patient appointments. He has implemented dozens of safety protocols in response to the COVID-19 crisis to prioritize his patients’ safety and wellbeing. He is passionate about staying up-to-date with the latest findings in the dental world and is happy to continue to provide high-quality dentistry. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Advanced Dental Concepts’ website or call 219-926-7595.