Healthy & Safety Tips: Dental Offices
These tips were provided by dear dentist friends of mine: Dr. Donna Klauser, Dr. Charlyn Quiec, and Dr. Kathleen Hwang, all of whom care deeply about the health & safety of their patients, staff, and families. They have spent considerable time during the lockdown trying to figure out what to do to make their practices as safe as possible against COVID-19. They followed the guidelines provided by American Dental Association and then some! Here is what they’re doing:
Having patients answer a screening health questionnaire before they come in (Any fever, cough, flu like symptoms? Any loss of taste or smell? Have they been in contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days?)
No allowing anyone to wait in the waiting room. When the patient arrives, have him/her wait in the car until the staff is ready for him/her.
Encouraging patients to come in on their own, unless they’re a young child or require assistance. Everybody accompanying a patient must follow the same safety procedures.
Requiring everybody to wear face coverings at all times.
Taking everybody’s temperatures with a contactless infrared thermometer upon arrival.
Requiring staff to take their temperature at the beginning and end of every shift.
Requiring the staff to wear isolation gowns, face shields, and KN95 or level 3 masks for any procedures.
Sanitizing the air by running medical grade air purifiers and UVC lights, and fogging the room with electrolyzed water after each patient.
Wiping down treatment stations with sanitizing wipes and replacing the coverings after each patient.
Spacing patients out to maintain social distance.
NOTE: The information in this blog has been sourced from reputable websites and specific individuals implementing precautionary measures within their own businesses. DIG is not responsible nor liable for recommending such measures. These guidelines are in place in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and does not prevent you from contracting any disease or virus. If you have any questions or other concerns regarding COVID-19, please consult with your doctor or another licensed health care professional.