The COVID-19 pandemic has altered so much about our daily lives. Many of us are adjusting to working from home, only communicating with loved ones through a screen, and taking so many extra precautions when going grocery shopping. Even your dentist is no exception to all of these societal changes. Dental practices all over the country have implemented additional protocols to keep their patients as safe as possible. Here are some of the extra steps your dentist in Newark takes to prepare for your appointment.
Evaluating Staff Members’ Health Daily
Every morning when your dentist’s team members arrive at the office, they’ll be required to answer a few quick questions regarding their current health, such as whether they’re exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms and whether they have recently come into contact with someone who does. Their temperature will also be taken with a no-touch thermometer. If anyone’s health isn’t up to par, that person is promptly sent home to quarantine and recover.
Changing Work Clothes at Work
Recent studies have shown that changing into work clothes at home and then commuting to the office can track outside germs into the practice. Just to be on the safe side, your dentist and their team members will be changing into and out of their scrubs at the office instead of at home.
Wearing Increased PPE
In the old days, all your dentist would put on to prepare for your appointment was a fresh mask and a new pair of gloves. That isn’t going to be enough in these times, though. Your dentist and their clinical team members will now be wearing even more personal protective equipment (PPE) than ever before. Some examples of the increased PPE include shoe coverings, double or triple face masks, face shields, and even surgical gowns.
Deep Cleaning Between Appointments
Your dentist isn’t seeing quite as many patients in a day as they used to. Not only does this decrease the number of people in the office at the same time, it allows for more time in between patients to clean the office. Commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs, pens, and dental chairs are thoroughly disinfected before and after your appointment.
As we all get used to the new way of life that COVID-19 has caused, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be safe while under your dentist’s care.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Bond is a dentist in Newark, DE who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. He is a certified Invisalign provider as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Delaware State Dental Society. His practice follows all of the safety protocols listed above and more in order to ensure their patients’ health and comfort. To learn more about these safety measures, visit Dr. Bond’s website or call (302) 444-8985.