Back before the start of the pandemic, dental practices already took many precautions to ensure that you were being treated in a sterile environment. They would wash their hands frequently, wear disposable gloves, and a surgical mask during your appointment. Due to COVID-19, however, new steps have been added to greatly reduce the possibility of exposure to the Coronavirus and keep you and your family safe. Your dentist in Carrollton can tell you about the new safety protocol to combat the virus and protect the dentists, staff, and patients.
Safety Champion
A safety champion is a staff member in the office who is designated to guide the practice’s Commitment to Safety. He or she greets patients, answers questions, ensures social distancing, and monitors the office overall to be sure that basic rules are being followed.
Daily Team Health Checks
Every day, when the team arrives to the building, they will undergo health checks. This includes no contact temperature checks and answering a set of questions regarding their health. This will ensure that they are ready and able to provide safe dental care.
Change Work Clothes at Work
In the past, dental health workers would wear their scrubs in and out of the office. Now, dentists and staff change into new, clean clothes every day when they arrive in the office. Before they leave, they change back into their normal clothes. This makes it less likely they could carry germs in and out of the office on their clothing.
Sequenced Patient Scheduling
Dentists are adjusting their schedules to reduce the chance of unnecessary contact between patients. This also allocates even more time between visits to be sure that everything is cleaned properly for the next visitor.
Additional PPE
While you’ve seen your dentist use disposable gloves and surgical masks in the past, he or she will be using even more personal protective equipment than before. This includes higher quality masks by all staff, face shields, protective coats, and protective hats. If your dentist is protected, so are you.
Prescreening of Patients
Before your appointment, you will be given a quick health questionnaire and consent form. One of the office staff will also take your temperature using a no-touch thermometer when you arrive at the office.
Even though times are uncertain, you don’t need to abandon your regular dental visits. Your oral hygiene is important, as well as your overall health. With these new and improved protocols being implemented by offices, you can go to your appointment with the peace of mind that your and your family will remain safe.
About the Author
At Epic Family Dentistry, Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh is an active member of the American Dental Association and continues to expand his knowledge and skillset through further education. He recognizes the shift in priorities as the COVID-19 pandemic is present, and he is taking 19 additional steps to keep his staff and patients as safe as possible. For more information on new safety protocol, visit his website or call (972) 820-7294.