Are you worried about needing to visit the dentist in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis? Since opening back up, dozens of new dental practice safety protocols have been put in place to help minimize the risk of patients and staff. That way, patients are able to receive the dental care they need without having to worry about putting themselves in harm’s way. Read on to learn about what you can expect leading up to and during your appointment.
Scheduling Your Appointment
Be sure to call and schedule your appointment ahead of time to make sure you’re able to get a time that works well for you. Your dentist will be seeing fewer patients in a day because they’ll need additional time to disinfect and sanitize treatment areas between each appointment. While you’re on the phone with dental staff, they’ll also ask you a few questions to screen you and make sure that you’re not experiencing common symptoms of COVID-19. This will also take place when you arrive at their office for your appointment.
Precautions Taken During Your Appointment
As soon as you get to your dental practice, they will take your no-touch temperature to make sure you’re not running a low-grade fever, which is a common early sign of COVID-19. The waiting room will also look sparse, with fewer chairs that are spread apart to maintain social distancing and no more reading materials that could collect germs.
You may notice that all of the dental staff will be wearing personal protective equipment of different sorts. Front desk staff may only have a mask and gloves on while your dentist and hygienists will likely have those plus a disposable gown, face shield, and safety eyewear. When you’re taken back to your treatment area, you’ll be allowed to remove your mask. Before your dentist arrives, they will wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of gloves for your safety. Throughout your appointment, you’ll remain well-protected from any type of droplet spread that could lead to contraction of the virus.
Leaving With a Healthy Smile
Once your treatment is finished, the dental team will send you on your way and begin disinfecting and sanitizing all of the tools and surfaces in the treatment room to prepare the space for the next patient. They will use products that are on the EPA’s high-level disinfectant list against COVID-19. All of the instruments will also be carefully and thoroughly sterilized in hospital-grade autoclaves and ultrasonic baths to remove any germs, bacteria, or droplets.
If you’re concerned about visiting your dentist during COVID-19, just remember that they are doing everything within their power to make patient and staff safety a top priority. If you have any questions about the measures that are being taken to do this, you can always contact their office and ask!
About the Author
Dr. Doug Clark III is an experienced dentist with over a decade of experience. He is passionate about helping his patients optimize their dental health by providing them with high-quality and thorough preventive care. His office is currently opened and practicing dozens of new safety protocols that meet and exceed the CDC’s COVID-19 guidelines to prioritize patient safety. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Hill Avenue Dental’s website or call 715-392-5161.