Whether you need a regular dental checkup and cleaning or root canal therapy, you may be feeling a bit apprehensive about your upcoming appointment. After all, COVID-19 is still a threat, so exactly how is your dentist preparing for your upcoming visit? What steps are they taking to ensure dental safety during COVID-19? A local dentist explains what protocols are being implemented to better protect both patients and staff during this uncertain time.
Identifying a Safety Champion
As a “safety champion” this individual helps to keep everyone accountable when abiding by the new protocols. Depending on your dentist, this can be the same person each day or someone different. Ultimately, this role is a vital aspect of a dental practice during this time, as it keeps everyone aware and cognizant of how to move throughout the office in a way that minimizes the potential spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Staff Temperature Checks
Each day, staff members will have their temperatures checked when arriving for work. This ensures that each person who is working among patients and colleagues is in good health and presents no symptoms associated with COVID-19. If a team member begins to feel ill or starts to show signs of the virus, they are to go home and not return to work until symptoms are no longer present.
Additional Staff Training
It’s not enough to know how to sanitize dental instruments, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and practice social distancing. Dental staff must also be aware of preventive ways to avoid the spread of COVID-19. By providing advanced training, your dentist will ensure the hygienists, assistants, and administrative staff are up to date on the latest changes, protocols, and safety tips to help better protect everyone at all times.
Providing At-Risk Hours
For individuals who are considered “at-risk” for contracting COVID-19, your dentist is establishing special hours dedicated to assisting these patients. If you are over the age of 65 or have a compromised immune system, you are eligible to receive necessary dental care during these special times.
Your dentist understands your concern and will do everything possible to ensure your health and safety during your appointment. But the important thing to remember is that the additional protocols being put into place are designed to make sure you are not exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses. Your dentist’s office is one of the cleanest and safest places to visit right now, so if you want to learn more about the additional steps being taken by your dental team, don’t hesitate to contact a staff member for more information.
About the Author
As a dental professional for more than 40 years, Dr. Jack Markusen served in the United States Air Force in 1968 before being honorably discharged in 1971. Attending the Medical University of South Carolina, School of Dentistry, he graduated in 1976. Since that time, he has been helping residents of Myrtle Beach and its surrounding communities achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. Implementing various health and safety protocols to combat COVID-19, he and his team are doing everything possible to prevent the spread of this contagious virus. If you are preparing for an upcoming appointment and would like to learn more about the steps being taken to better protect you, visit our website or call (843) 916-0990.