During uncertain times, it’s important for you to know what steps your dentist is taking to ensure your safety when you arrive for your next appointment. Since germs and bacteria are a common concern in dental practices, taking the proper steps to provide a clean environment is of the utmost importance. Patients should never be concerned that they might be putting themselves in harm’s way simply by keeping their dentist appointment. Below, you can read more about the specific precautions and steps your dentist is taking to ensure patient and staff safety from the moment you walk through the door.
Screening for Safety
As part of regular safety protocol, the professionals at Sinada Dental are already trained to disinfect and sanitize all equipment in the office. Due to current concerns regarding COVID-19, our staff is now receiving advanced training to ensure all preventive measures are taken to ensure a safe and healthy environment for everyone. One way to do this is by selecting someone each day to screen for safety and ensure the office is properly sanitized and disinfected. Among the steps taken to ensure safety include:
- Greeting each person at the door as they arrive
- Ensuring that the office is following all recommended cleaning standards
- Making certain that all visitors and staff are following social distancing measures
- Adhering to guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention regarding the use of PPE, or personal protective equipment
Minimizing Contamination with Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment encompasses face masks, protective eyewear, gloves, disposable gowns, and face shields. According to healthcare organizations and the CDC, wearing such items is an important step in mitigating the possible spread of COVID-19. Our staff receives training regarding the proper way to wear each piece of PPE and when such equipment should be worn to provide maximum protection and limit possible contamination.
Staff Temperature Checks on a Daily Basis
Patients should be aware that staff members at Sinada Dental are following stringent protocols to ensure the safety of patients as well as their own well-being. Temperature checks are performed on a daily basis for all staff as they arrive to work. This protocol is followed to ensure the health of all staff and screen for any possible symptoms related to COVID-19. If a staff member does feel sick, they are asked to remain at home until they are well enough to return to work.
Patients and Antimicrobial Rinses
The presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth can cause the immune system to become weakened. To reduce the risk of developing COVID-19, all patients are asked to rinse their mouths with an antimicrobial rinse prior to attending their next appointment. Doing so will help to eliminate any unwanted bacteria and germs from the mouth and provide improved protection for dental staff as they conduct dental checks, cleanings, and procedures.
The steps listed above are just a few of the precautions that Sinada Dental is taking to protect your health and safety. It’s also a good idea to make sure you stay on top of any new policies and procedures that may have been enacted by the office since your last visit. Reviewing new guidelines will ensure you are as informed as possible and provide you with the highest level of protection and the greatest peace of mind regarding your dental care.