The COVID-19 pandemic has us all doing things quite a bit differently that we did before. You’re working from home, wearing a mask when you leave home, and you are spending as much time at your house as possible. With all the changes going on, it is difficult to know where safe and which locations you should definitely be avoiding. Fortunately, with all of the precautionary measures being taken at your dentist in Newark, you can attend to your oral care without having to worry. Continue reading to learn some reasons that you should still be visiting the dental practice despite COVID-19.
Your Dentist Appointments Are Essential
Visiting the dentist isn’t just all about keeping your teeth clean and pretty. There is so much more to it! In fact, your oral health has an impact on your overall wellbeing. Conditions like periodontal disease in the mouth can often be linked to problems elsewhere in the body like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis. Having an infection in your mouth also means that you are much more likely to get sick. Your immune system will do everything it can to protect you, but it can only do so many things at one time.
The Dental Office Has Always Been Safe
Dentists and other healthcare professionals are required to follow a strict set of guidelines at all times to ensure that the office is a safe place. Here are some things your dental team is always doing to prevent the spread of illnesses in the practice:
Personal Hygiene
If you’re working in the healthcare field, it is absolutely necessary that you wash your hands frequently and take other personal hygiene steps to limit the possibility of spreading germs to others.
Sanitation
In addition to keeping themselves clean, the dental team must also take steps to keep the office as immaculate as possible. Dental instruments that are used to clean your teeth are always sterilized between patients with the use of an autoclave. Surfaces throughout the practice are also regularly disinfected.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
When working in your mouth, your dental team always uses PPE to keep you safe. This includes surgical masks, disposable gloves, and anything else deemed necessary for the particular treatment.
What Changes Has Your Dentist Made?
In addition to the normal safety guidelines, your dentist has added additional protocols in order to keep their staff and patients as safe as possible. Here are just some of the steps being taken:
Daily Health Checks
Each day, when the team comes into the office, they are asked a set of questions and given a no contact temperature check.
Anti-Microbial Rinse
At the start of appointments, patients are asked to rinse their mouth with an Oracare solution for 60 seconds to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Virtual Waiting Room
You can now check in from your car. Just give the office a call when you arrive. They will let you know when the treatment room as ready for you.
Patient Pre-Screening
All patients are asked to complete a quick health questionnaire and consent form as well as a no-touch temperature check before entering the practice.
Installed Clear Barriers
Clear, protective guards have been placed strategically throughout the practice to block the movement of airborne particles.
Just because we’re living during a pandemic doesn’t mean that you should put your oral health on hold. Thanks to these new precautions, you can continue to visit the office rest assured that you are safe.
About the Author
At White Clay Dental Associates in Newark, DE, you have not just one, but two well-experienced dentists providing high-quality dental care. Dr. Donald T. Bond earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry. Dr. Timothy D. Ganfield earned his doctorate at Temple University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. They are both members of several organizations including the American Dental Association and the Delaware State Dental Society. For more information on their 16 new safety protocols or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (302) 731-4225.