Before the outbreak of COVID-19, your dental team had a fairly simple procedure for preparing to see you. They would thoroughly wash their hands, put on fresh gloves and a mask, make sure their instruments were sterile, and then get to work. Now, however, times have changed. Your dentist near Jupiter has implemented strict protocols to ensure that you are safe during your appointments. In this blog post, we’ll discuss just a few of steps they are taking to protect you.
A Designated Safety Champion
Everyone on your dental team is committed to your safety. However, one person will be appointed each day to take the lead in making sure that the practice is complying with all applicable safety rules, even ones that may seem small or insignificant. This individual will remind their colleagues about how they can maintain a clean, healthful environment and answer any questions that you may have about how the dental team is working to ensure that patients remain as safe as possible during their appointments.
Daily Health Checks
Your dental team would never come to work knowing that there was even the smallest chance that they could cause you to become ill. That is why they keep a close eye on their own health and will not come near you if it seems possible that they have contracted COVID-19. They may ask you to return the courtesy by postponing your appointment if you are showing any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 or if you have recently come into contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the disease.
Changing Clothes at Work
In the past, you may have seen your dental team members wearing their scrubs when they were running errands around town. Now, you are much less likely to see that. Instead of getting dressed in their scrubs at home, they may now travel to work in their normal clothes, and then change into freshly cleaned scrubs. This practice reduces the risk that contaminants will transfer to you from their garments.
Additional PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has always been important in dentistry, and that is truer now than ever. Your dental team may wear multiple levels of masks, including N95 respirators and an ASTM Level 3 masks (which offer the highest level of protection against airborne droplets). Even the front desk team, who never previously had a need to wear masks, are wearing face coverings at all times.
Your dental team has rigorous standards in place to protect you. You can attend your next appointment with complete confidence that you are entering a safe environment.
About the Author
Dr. Duane E. Keuning has been practicing dentistry for nearly 20 years. He strongly believes in the value of continuing education and has completed courses from the Dawson Institute, Spear Institute, Rosenthal Institute, and the Levin Group. He and the entire team at Juno Beach Smiles are serious about protecting patients. If you would like to learn details of how they are ensuring that our practice is a clean and safe environment, contact us at 561-622-7243.