Visiting a dentist in DuPont amid the COVID-19 pandemic might have you wondering, “Is it safe?” With so many instruments and equipment that are reusable, you may be tempted to postpone your visit until the virus appears to be more under control. Unfortunately, waiting long periods between dental appointments can lead to costly procedures and additional time spent in the dentist’s chair addressing problems that could have easily been prevented. Fortunately, because of the many protocols being implemented by your dentist, you can feel completely safe visiting them during this time. Read on to find out what steps they are taking to avoid the possible transmission of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Why It Is Safe to Return
As dentist offices reopened in May and June 2020, patients began to slowly return for regular checkups and cleanings as well as elective procedures. For some, the idea of stepping inside a dental or doctor’s office of any kind seemed unfavorable; however, during the months in which many practices were closed, additional safety measures were put into place based on the suggestions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Safety and Hazard Administration (OSHA).
These protocols are designed to serve as a blueprint for dental offices and patients to navigate the current climate with ease and peace of mind. Your dentist knows that you may still feel a bit apprehensive, but their continued commitment to cleanliness (i.e. increased sanitation efforts), social distancing, and minimizing the number of patients seen each day, are all reasons you can feel more comfortable about returning to see your dental team.
Steps Your Dentist is Taking to Keep You Safe
It is more than just cleaning surfaces and wearing protective equipment. Your dentist is going the extra mile to make sure your health and safety are of the utmost importance. To provide you with greater peace of mind when considering your return, here are a few examples of what your dentist is doing:
- Minimizing the use of aerosol-generating procedures. Many dental instruments and equipment cause saliva and other bodily fluids to spray and splash upward during an appointment. Although your dental team will be wearing a face mask, face shield, protective eyewear, and gloves, they are working to avoid the use of these objects to minimize the number of harmful particles that can remain airborne for hours or days and be transmitted to staff and fellow patients.
- Using advanced chairside suction when aerosol-generating procedures are necessary. Should your dentist be unable to avoid the use of these instruments and equipment, high-powered suction will be used to stop as many aerosols from entering the atmosphere.
- Pre-screening patients and staff when they arrive to ensure no one is entering the dental office feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19.
- Asking patients to wait in their vehicles until their appointment time to minimize the number of people in the dentist’s office at one time.
While these are only a few of the many safety precautions your dentist is taking, you can now see why the risk of contracting a harmful bacteria or virus during your visit is minimal. It is the goal of your dental team to keep you healthy and virus-free during your visit, but if you have additional questions about a dental safety protocol in DuPont, do not hesitate to reach out.
About the Author
At Dupont Family Dentistry, our team of professionals is going the extra mile to keep everyone safe. Adhering to the recommendations and guidelines of the CDC and ADA, should you need to see us for a dental emergency, you can rest assured all the appropriate measures and precautions are being taken. We invite you to contact us at (253) 964-7000 to find out what safety protocols we have implemented and how you can prepare for your upcoming visit.