Are you worried about scheduling an appointment for a checkup and cleaning due to the threat of COVID-19? Your dental practice is one of the cleanest public areas that you could visit, because your dentist is implementing dozens of new safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus. You so many protective measures in place, you can rest assured that you’ll feel safe while getting the oral healthcare that you need. Read on to learn more about five ways your dentist is prioritizing your health and safety.

THOROUGH AND ROUTINE HAND HYGIENE

The CDC states that one of our first line of defenses against COVID-19 is hand hygiene, due to the likelihood of people touching their faces. When it comes to your dental team, this is especially important due to the fact that their hands will be so close to your face. That’s why your dentist isn’t just washing their hands every time they take their gloves off. They’re also washing them before they put them on and whenever they leave the treatment area. The team will also be washing their hands regularly and frequently throughout the day, especially after coming into contact with any patients.

LIMITING PRACTICE TRAFFIC

One of the reasons why your dentist office is so safe compared to other public spaces is because the amount of traffic through the practice is so heavily limited. To make sure that there’s ample time to sanitize common spaces and treatment rooms between patients, dentists are spreading apart appointments even further. This also means that they’re seeing fewer people in a day and you’ll be less likely to come into contact with another patient during your appointment, just the dental team.

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ROUTINE STERILIZING AND DISINFECTION

Using hospital-grade disinfectant and sterilizing products and CDC recommended strategies, your dental team will be cleaning treatment rooms, instruments, and common areas between each patient. That means that everything that you’ll come into contact with while you’re at their office will be wiped down and germ-free.

STAFF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

For the safety of staff and patients, the dental team will be decked out in PPE. That includes safety eyewear, face masks, gloves, and in some cases, disposable gowns and splash shields. This way, you won’t have to worry about any droplet spread, because they will be changing out their PPE between each appointment to ensure the safety of their patients.

PATIENT PRE-SCREENING

Along with the protocols listed above, your dentist will conducts patient pre-screenings over the phone to make sure that people who come into their office aren’t exhibiting common signs of COVID-19. They’ll also be taking no-touch temperatures when patients reach the office to make sure that they aren’t running a low-grade fever, one of the most common symptoms of the virus.

Your dentist will be dedicated to keeping you safe as long as COVID-19 is a threat. That way, you can get the dental care you need without having to have an anxiety-riddling or uneasy appointment. Along with these five safety protocols, they’re implementing several others, so don’t hesitate to contact them to get more information if you’re concerned.

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