6 Ways Your Dental Team Is Preparing For Your Visit During COVID-19

People are starting to transition out of quarantine, but the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. In addition to washing your hands frequently, practicing social distancing, and wearing a mask, it is important that you follow infection control guidelines. However, what about situations where you have to be close to others? Will your routine dental checkup and cleaning become too risky? Here are six ways your dentist in Richardson is preparing for your visit during the current pandemic:

Contactless Greetings

A lot has happened since your last visit. While your first instinct may be to offer a warm handshake or friendly hug, contactless greetings are the way to go during a pandemic. Instead, opt for a casual elbow bump or an enthusiastic wave to say hello.

Pre-Appointment Protocol

To prevent viruses from entering the office, dentists are implementing infection control practices before patients enter the treatment room. These pre-appointment protocols include:

• A pre-screening questionnaire to assess your health and look for any red flags.
• No-touch temperature checks upon arrival.
• Rinsing with an anti-microbial solution to reduce bacteria.

Sequenced Patient Scheduling

To control the foot traffic in the office and allow for extensive sanitation practices to be followed, dentists have implemented sequenced patient scheduling. With this new procedure, dentists are spacing out appointments to allow for thorough cleanings between each visit. 

Advanced Staff Training

Even before COVID-19, dentists and their staff were required to be experts in infection control best practices. However, their office is providing additional training to incorporate guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (i.e., physical distancing guidelines, new disinfectant procedures, etc.).

Enforcing Social Distancing

While you and your dentist will inevitably come within 6-feet of each other during your visit, they are enforcing social distancing in virtually every other area of their office by:

• Offering virtual waiting rooms.
• Re-designing physical waiting rooms with ample space between each seat.
• Expanding patient appointments to reduce foot traffic and limit the number of times you leave your house.
• Posting one-way traffic signs to make 6-foot spacing a practical reality.

More Personal Protective Equipment

In a pandemic, daily exposure to blood and saliva make your dental team’s work environment high-risk. Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are recommending that dentists wear face shields, protective coats that are disposable, goggles, and shoe coverings. 

Although these measures may seem extensive, your dentist is happy to implement them at their office to ensure the safety of both you and their team! With these protocols in place, you can move forward with essential dental care without putting you at risk of infection.

About the Author

Known for his expertise, Dr. Mirsepasi obtained his Graduate Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate and a Master of Science in Dentistry from the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey. He continues to stay up-to-date on the latest technological developments through several continuing education courses that cover each facet of dentistry. If you would like information on additional steps he is taking to ensure your safety during COVID-19, visit his website or give him a call at 972-231-5744.