COVID-19 Protocols
Safety Protocols
Infection control has always been a top priority for our practice. Our office follows infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Saefty and Health Administration. We’ve recently added the following safety protocols:
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Screen Before and During Visit: we will ask patients standard questions 1 day ahead of appointment and during check-in (from the car) before patients enter facility and perform procedures. This is to stop COVID-19 at the gates.
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Sanitization Checkpoint and Temperature Checks: everyone entering the dental practice will have hands sanitized and touchless temperature check taken. Sanitized pens will be provided for any forms signed. Everyone entering must have a mask. All surfaces touched will be sanitized throughout the day and after being touched.
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Decontamination Champion (DC): we have a dedicated safety officer, our “DC”, who is an expert in all our safety protocols. Although each team member is responsible to understand and execute on all safety protocols.
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Sterilization and Operatory Preparation: Prior to and after seating any patients, all equipment and work surfaces are properly disinfected. All instruments are sterilized. All patients have new chair covers and bibs provided. Sterilization equipment is tested daily for effectiveness.
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Office Cleaning: All work areas and touch points are disinfected throughout the day and at the end of the day. All floors are washed and equipment disinfected. This is in addition to professional cleaning already performed.
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Social Distancing: We limit the # of patients in the office at one time. We encourage patients to show up by themselves or with a parent/guardian/helper only if absolutely necessary during the “Slow the Spread” state and federal mandates. |
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Aerosol Mitigation
Our office has always taken precautions and followed infection control recommendations regarding PPE. We have increased the PPE and aerosol mitigation protocols recently:
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Clinical Team Members: Face Shields, Masks, Caps, Gloves, Lab Coats, and Scrubs.
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Front Desk Team Members: Sneeze Guards and Face Shields, Masks, Gloves
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Air Purification: Medify MA-25 air purifiers are installed in every chair and clean air every 5-15 minutes. Air purifiers are also placed strategically in the front and back office to create an overall clean space.
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Other Aerosol Mitigation Methods: we leverage a variety of equipment and procedures to minimize aerosols including Mr. Thirsty devices and High Volume Evacuation Systems (HVE). We are also introducing additional aerosol suction and disinfection equipment. |
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