When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, life as we knew it came to a halt. Warm hugs were exchanged for elbow bumps, normal errands were considered potentially dangerous, and our homes became our hideouts. However, with the implementation of social distancing and face masks, people have begun to transition into their new normal, starting with their summer trip to the dentist. Since your next appointment will look quite different than your last, your dentist in Midlothian is sharing four changes you can expect.
Social Distancing Requirements
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social distancing has played an instrumental role in fighting COVID-19 since its onset. While you and your dentist will inevitably breach the 6-foot distance guideline, there are a few other ways their office is incorporating physical distancing:
- Contactless greetings to limit the spread of germs.
- Virtual waiting cues to control foot traffic.
- Sequenced patient scheduling to allow time for thorough cleanings between appointments.
- Waiting rooms re-designed with social distancing in mind.
Prevention Protocol for Patients and Staff
To limit the likelihood of exposing the office to the COVID-19 virus, dentists are incorporating routine health checks for both patients and staff members alike. At your upcoming appointment, prevention protocol is being incorporated with no contact temperature checks, a screening questionnaire before your appointment, requiring face masks when not in the dentist’s chair, and discarding single-use protective coats and hats.
Extensive Sanitation Practices
In the fight against COVID-19, thorough sanitation is a top priority. To follow mandated infection control protocol and limit the spread of germs and bacteria, your dentist will:
- Practice extensive hashwashing before, during, and after your appointment.
- Provide advanced staff training on policies and procedures that will keep everyone safe.
- Follow essential personal hygiene standards (i.e., short fingernails, no nonessential jewelry, hair must be worn back).
- Offer anti-microbial rinse to reduce the bacteria in your mouth before the appointment.
- Place no-touch hand sanitizing stations throughout the office.
- Disinfect between each appointment.
- Deep clean every evening.
Additional Personal Protective Equipment
Even before the pandemic, your dentist practiced infection control by wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and masks. Now that exposure to blood and salvia puts staff at high-risk of exposure to the novel COVID-19 virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are recommending extensive PPE (i.e., face shields, goggles, and disposable gowns).
Although coming out of quarantine is the next natural step, knowing that your safety is a top priority can help make the transition more stress-free. With these four changes, your dentist can ensure that you and your smile are protected throughout this pandemic.
About Marvel Dental
In addition to world-class service and state-of-the-art technology, the team at Marvel Dental provides exemplary care through their comprehensive array of services. Whether you are interested in general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Oza, Dr. Chudasama, and Dr. Patel are ready to use their extensive years of experience to help. For detailed information on how they are committing to your safety, visit their website or give them a call at 682-772-3072.