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Due to the emergence of COVID-19, dental practices across the country are establishing new sanitation and disinfection protocols to keep their patients safe. Your dentist in Lehigh Valley has implemented dozens of precautionary measures in an effort to stop the spread of the virus throughout the community and keep staff healthy. Read on to learn four sanitation protocols that your dentist has put into place so you can enjoy peace of mind at your next appointment.
Social Distancing Within The Office
Although social distancing isn’t always possible throughout your entire appointment with your dentist, they are implementing this practice whenever possible. The CDC recommends remaining at least six feet apart while in public spaces. In an effort to make this happen, dentists have removed chairs from the waiting room, installed helpful one-way traffic signs, and have established a virtual check-in system from your vehicle so you only have to come into the office when it’s time for your appointment to begin.
CDC-Approved Instrument Sterilization
Although this isn’t a new sanitation protocol, it’s definitely one worth mentioning. Each dental instruments that is present in the treatment room during your appointment has been thoroughly disinfected using CDC-approved sterilization methods involving pressure and heat. After each patient, the dental hygienist will place the instruments in a sealed plastic pouch inside of an autoclave. Located on each pouch is a color-changing window that signals when the instruments have been completely disinfected and are ready for use again. This allows your dental team to ensure that everything going in or around your mouth will be completely sanitary.
Proper PPE For Staff
Since your dental team will be working within your mouth, they’ll be wearing much more than face masks. They’ll also have on a face shield, disposable gloves, a gown, and a hat. All of their disposable PPE will be replaced between patients, and the reusable ones, such as the face shield, will be sanitized before going to their next appointment. This helps reduce the chances of spreading the saliva droplets of an infected person to another patient, keeping both patients and staff safe.
Hospital-Grade Sanitation
Each of the treatment rooms will be thoroughly sanitized between patients using CDC-approved products. In addition, your dentist will also have a hospital-grade sanitation station readily available for patients. They will ask each patient to disinfect their hands thoroughly before entering the treatment room to ensure that the environment remains as sterile as possible. Once the procedure is over, all surfaces and instruments will be sanitized for the next appointment.
Sanitary practices within the dental office are incredibly important, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. With these practices in place, plus several more, you can rest-assured that your safety is being prioritized each time you visit your dentist in Lehigh Valley.
About the Author
Dr. John Salivonchik is passionate about helping his patients optimize their oral health by providing them with high-quality preventive dental treatment and tips for at-home care. He has completed a wealth of advanced training and seminars, including at the World Clinical Laser Institute for Soft Tissue and Periodontal Applications. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 610-502-1545.
