With COVID-19, dental offices everywhere were closed to everything but emergency dental services. Now that things are opening up to more regular services, we want our patients to know that they don’t have to worry about their safety in our office. At Tyma Trachtenberg Dental, a dentist in Doylestown, PA, we’re using the following techniques.
Following the CDC and ADA Guidelines
These two agencies have been working together since 1993 to develop and implement infection control and sterilization guidelines for the dental industry. They’re constantly updating techniques and ensuring the latest technology is being used. A CDC document is available that contains tools and checklists so that dental workers can ensure they’re following all the right protocols.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is essential to making sure both the staff and patients are staying safe. Most importantly, disposable gloves are always used. Gloves are changed between patients and after surfaces like the computer are touched. Depending on the dental services being performed, gloves may be changed multiple times throughout one patient’s appointment. Proper handwashing protocols are followed before gloves are put on.
A bib is provided to patients and protective coverings are provided to staff so that bodily fluids won’t get on clothes or skin. Eye protection is another important component for staff. Due to COVID-19, face and eye protection may be increased. It’s recommended that medical personnel wear full-face shields to ensure that nothing passes between patients and staff.
Disinfection and Sterilization Techniques
Due to the nature of dental work, it’s sometimes necessary for dental tools to be reused. This means that they require the highest levels of sterilization. Particularly for high-risk tools, like those used in oral surgery or periodontal therapy, heat sterilization is used. Lower-risk tools can also use this method if they’re capable of withstanding the higher temperatures.
Some dental tools are also completely disposable or have disposable parts. This allows patients to know that they’re getting something new at the beginning of their appointment. For sterilizing surfaces, like blood pressure cuffs and the dental chair, they’re thoroughly wiped down with disinfectant. This technique is also used in high-traffic areas like the reception desk and surfaces in the waiting room.
With COVID-19, you may notice some stricter changes at our office. We’re trying to limit the number of people we have in the waiting room at one time. We may ask you to wait in your car until we come to get you. Temperature checks and questionnaires about COVID-19 may be required to be completed before entry. We may also ask you to sanitize your hands when you get into the office.
Your Dentist in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
We’re ready to see the smiling faces of our patients in the office again! Call us or schedule an appointment online.