In this blog post, we’ll go over some safety procedures and protocols that we’ve implemented in our dental practices to ensure patient safety and control the spread of COVID-19 as much as possible.
Reducing the Risk of Covid Transmission in Dental Settings
Here, at Dr. Paul’s Dental Clinic, we have taken the unique characteristics of our dental settings into account so we can formulate and implement specific infection control strategies. Even though we have resumed dental treatments that involve aerosol-generating procedures that require the use of ultrasonic instruments and high-speed handpieces, we’re doing so with strict sterilization and disinfection protocols in place.
Additionally, we’re doing our best to provide care in ways that minimize harm to our patients and health care personnel. We’ve also made a habit of proactively advising our patients and staff to stay at home if they’re showing signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
Dental Care Guidelines for COVID-19
We have updated our expertise and knowledge when it comes to infection control and we’re following the necessary guidelines recommended by the Government to ensure the safety of our patients and staff.
Although we have returned to our normal working pattern, we pay strict attention to our sterilization and disinfection procedures. We understand the importance of taking prior appointments and making sure all the patient appointments are planned strategically to minimize clinic waiting times and avoid the risk of contagion.
Moreover, our staff including dentists and dental assistants carry out thorough sterilization protocols before and after each patient appointment. We only use hospital-grade sterilization equipment and techniques to exceed the Government’s recommendations concerning sterilization and safety.
Waiting Room and Arrival Protocols
- We’ve expanded our in-office registration process so we can effectively screen out any patients who have recently been tested for SAR-CoV-2 or those who are showing symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19.
- We make sure all our patients, as well as visitors, are wearing face masks, check their temperature using a thermometer, and provide anti-bacterial wipes and other such materials to make sure all the high touch surfaces and equipment like clipboards, pens, light switches, keyboards are cleaned and disinfected before and after every use.
- We’ve also implemented an appointment system that ensures there’s at least a twenty-minute interval between each patient that comes in. We make sure there are only a handful of patients in the waiting area at a time and they’re sitting at least two meters apart.
Treatment Protocols
- We prioritize standard, airborne, and contact precautions that include hand hygiene practices. We make sure the dental chairs and all the equipment are cleaned with disinfectant after each patient and limit the number of bystanders that are present during treatment to only those who are required for patient care and support.
- Our staff uses approved chemicals to disinfect all the surfaces and maintain a dry environment indoors at all times. All the dentists in our facility are advised to wear an N95 or higher-level respirator, gloves, goggles for eye protection, as well as reusable face shields while they perform necessary procedures.
- All the contact surfaces of dental chairs are also protected by means of barrier films or chair covers that are changed after every patient that comes in. Moreover, our clinic undergoes fumigation regularly and we’ve also installed HEPA filter air-purifiers within the rooms of our facility.
- Our patients are advised to do a mouthwash rinse before their specific treatment can begin. Once the patient exits the room, our staff spends at least 15 to 20 minutes cleaning every nook and cranny of the space.
- It’s also worth mentioning that dental water lines are treated with an antiseptic solution and dental suction lines are also treated appropriately with disinfectant products.
At-Home Dental Care
There are some measures you can take to maintain oral hygiene at home if you wish to avoid visiting a dental clinic during the pandemic. Remember to make the following practices a part of your daily oral health routine.
- Don’t forget to brush your teeth at least twice every day and also set some time aside almost daily to floss between your teeth. This will help reduce the potential effects of plaque and bacteria that may lead to painful cavities and increase your risk of gum disease.
- Consider rinsing your mouth at least twice every day with an alcohol-free mouthwash. Moreover, it’s advisable that you rinse your mouth with salt water at least 3 to 4 times every day to keep your teeth healthy.
- Make sure your dietary habits complement your oral care, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and avoid consuming foods that are high in sugar and starch.
Final Words
There’s no denying that dental practices have faced several challenges over the past few months, and they’ve had to make many sacrifices to keep their patients’ needs and safety as their topmost priority.
With the help of the above-mentioned protocols, we’ve managed to contain the spread of COVID -19 in our dental offices, so we can provide the best dental care to our patients in these uncertain times.
If you or your loved one needs an urgent dentist in Dubai, contact us today.
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