TEAM TRAINING

Our team has taken this time to review the infection control measures our dental office has always adhered to, along with new ones specific to COVID-19. Beyond office cleanliness, we begin each day by screening ourselves for symptoms, taking temperatures and holding ourselves to the same safety standards we ask of our patients.

We’ve also taken this time to examine and revise our behaviors at home and as we go about our daily lives. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines will help us keep our families, communities and work environments safe.

PATIENT SCREENING AND ARRIVAL

Before your appointment, we will call you to confirm that you are not displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Upon arrival, you will be asked to keep all unnecessary personal belongings like hats, handbags, sunglasses and spouses or companions in your car. Entering the office you will be greeted with hand sanitizer, a fresh face mask and we will take your temperature.

In the treatment room, you will be asked to rinse with IORINSE, a professional dental irrigating solution, which is proven to be a very effective and safe oral antiseptic.

INFECTION CONTROL BARRIERS AND PPE

Our office has N95 masks, face shields, surgical caps and gowns, touchless infrared thermometers and hand sanitizer dispensers. Reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) is changed and sterilized between each patient and all garments are removed and washed before reuse. Difficult-to-clean items and clutter have been removed from the office and treatment rooms. This allows for effective and efficient cleaning and disinfecting between patients.

MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCE WITHIN THE CLINIC

We will see one patient at a time and appointments will be spaced out to allow us time to clean rooms and change into new garments and PPE. Higher-risk patients (60+, cardiovascular disease, immune-compromised, etc.) will be seen in the mornings, before we have seen multiple patients. Any aerosol-producing procedures will be scheduled for the last visit of the day. Additionally, we encourage payment and rescheduling conversations to occur over the phone to reduce the amount of time patients spend in the office.