For the last several weeks, many dental offices have had to close their doors to nonurgent issues to combat the spread of coronavirus. Now that the country is reopening, many people are concerned about their safety when seeking services that they’ve had to go without, like a routine cleaning and checkup. Your dentist in Medford understands your apprehension. They have made several changes to abide by the latest recommendations. Here are 4 ways your dentist is protecting themselves and their patients amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is essential for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Not only does it prevent you from transmitting the virus to others, but it also lessens your exposure to it as well. Your dentist and their staff will use PPE, such as masks, gloves, and face shields. Rest assured, they will be used, disinfected, and disposed of correctly to reduce the likeliness of cross-contamination. Here are 4 things you’ll see while visiting your dentist.
- Increased Hand Washing
Hand washing and alcohol-based hand sanitizer are vital for reducing the transmission of coronavirus. Your dental team will wash their hands before entering the patient care area.
- Clean Mask
A surgical mask or respirator will be worn by the dentist and their team. They will wear it correctly, ensuring it covers both the mouth and nose. This protects them from passing the virus to others while also preventing them from contracting the illness from patients.
- Fresh Gloves
Gloves provide a barrier between the skin and pathogens. Your dental team will use gloves when interacting with patients. They will be changed often to ensure their hands stay germ-free.
- Clean Gown or Protective Clothing
Protective clothing helps safeguard your clothes and skin from pathogens, like the virus. Not only will the gowns be changed if they have been soiled, but they will also be changed at the beginning and end of each day. Staff will change in and out of their scrubs at work. This lessens the risk of the virus entering or leaving the office.
Enhanced Safety Measures
Although dental offices are already some of the cleanest places, your dental team has completed additional awareness and prevention programs to ensure they have the correct knowledge to use PPE correctly to keep everyone safe. In addition, they will also undergo daily health checks to ensure they don’t have a fever and aren’t experiencing any symptoms of illness.
Your dentist is committed to keeping you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can feel at ease knowing your smile is in good hands.
About Dr. Anthony Giamberardino
Dr. Anthony Giamberardino obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 1985. He regularly continues his education and training to remain well-versed in the latest methods and protocols, including those recommended by the CDC and ADA to prevent COVID-19. If you have any questions about your safety when visiting our office, contact us today to speak with a member of our team.