Before COVID-19 became a major threat, your dental team had a fairly simple procedure for preparing for your appointments. They would thoroughly wash their hands, put on fresh gloves and a mask, and ensure that they were using sterile instruments. They still do all of that, but now they have added additional measures with the goal of creating the safest, cleanest environment possible. In this blog post, we will discuss just a portion of the dental safety protocol in Lebanon that is helping to protect you during this pandemic season.
Champions for Safety
Your dental team has made it their business to familiarize themselves with safety guidelines from reputable organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They apply such guidelines to the extent possible. They also offer each other friendly reminders on how they can do their utmost to minimize health risks for patients. They are true champions for safety.
Daily Health Checks
Your dental team is always happy to see you, but they would never come to work if they knew there was even a small risk that they could cause you to become ill. That is why they undergo a health screening each day before they begin work. The screening includes a temperature check and a questionnaire that assesses whether it is likely that they have been exposed to COVID-19. All patients must undergo a similar screening prior to each appointment.
Changing Clothes at Work
Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, you might have seen members of your dental team wearing their scrubs as they were running errands before work. Now, you will not see that. They travel to work in their normal clothes, then change into freshly cleaned scrubs when they arrive at the dental office. This simple precaution minimizes the risk that any viruses or other contagions will transfer to patients from a team member’s garments.
A Rigorous Cleaning Routine
Dental offices have always been among the cleanest places in the country. That is truer than ever now as your dental team has implemented new cleaning regulations to prevent the spread of illness. They thoroughly clean the operatories between each patient. All frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and countertops, are disinfected at least three times each day. They also do a deeper cleaning of the whole office each evening after closing.
This article touches on just a few of the things that your dental team is doing to protect you during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you would like to learn more about their safety protocol, feel free to reach out to them. They will be happy to answer your questions.
Meet Our Practice
We have four talented doctors on our team at Santavicca Dental Professionals, including two dentists in Lebanon, an oral surgeon, and an anesthesiologist. We provide a broad range of services, and we are proud to continue to provide top-tier care to our patients in a clean and welcoming environment. Patient safety is one of our highest priorities. To learn more about how we are helping to fight the spread of COVID-19, contact us at 603-643-4142.