Life as you have known it has changed quite a bit over the last several weeks as the U.S. deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides wearing a mask and keeping your distance from others, you haven’t been able to see your dentist in Center either. As dental offices reopen their doors, they’ve made a few changes to keep their patients safe. Here are 5 ways your dentist prepares for your upcoming appointment.
1. Safety Champion
When you see your dentist again, you’ll notice several changes to keep both patients and the dental team healthy. This involves implementing new protocols by the CDC, ADA, and OSHA to reduce spreading coronavirus. To ensure the dental office is the cleanest place you visit all day, your dentist will appoint a “Safety Champion” each day. They will act as a liaison between patients and the dental team, like performing a pre-screening or non-contact temperature check. The Safety Champion will also help keep the office sanitized and disinfected.
2. Daily Health Checks of Staff
To ensure your dental team is well and ready to serve you, dental offices have implemented daily health checks. The staff will have their temperature taken and answer a set of brief questions to safeguard you from any potential illnesses.
3. Change Work Clothes at Work
Research shows pathogens can be transmitted by the clothing of healthcare professionals, like dentists and dental hygienists. To prevent cross-contamination, you won’t see your dental team wearing their scrubs outside of the office anymore. Instead, they are changing into and out of their work clothes at the office.
4. Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially when in close contact with other people, which is why your dental team will wear personal protective equipment, including masks and gloves. Before your appointment, they will ensure they have the necessary equipment to keep everyone healthy.
5. Patient Pre-Screening
Prior to your visit, a member of your dental team will contact you to ask you a series of brief questions regarding your health, and if you’ve been in potential contact with COVID-19. They will perform the pre-screening again and take your temperature before your appointment. Although it might take a few minutes, it’s important for keeping everyone in the office safe.
Choose a Higher-Standard of Care
Don’t Google, “where is a dentist near me?” Take the time to find a location that uses the latest health and safety protocols to combat the spread of COVID-19. Although dental offices are already pretty clean, you deserve to benefit from the highest standard of care.
About Dr. Thomas Youngblood
Dr. Thomas Youngblood earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. He’s a member of various dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and an Affiliate Member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He provides the safe care your family needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact our office today for an appointment.