Nearly a year ago, our lives were turned upside down as the novel COVID-19 virus spread into a global pandemic. In response, stay-at-home orders were put in place, face masks became a must-have item, and going to the dentist even for preventive care was out of the question. Luckily, the last 10 months have given dentists across the U.S. the opportunity to re-open with new and improved sanitation measures that make everything from routine cleanings to extensive restorative work possible. Here are a few ways dental teams are practicing dental safety during COVID-19 in Mount Pleasant!
#1. Advanced Staff Training
Before officially joining the dental field, your dentist and their team undergo extensive training to avoid cross-contamination and create a sterile environment. While those measures continue to play a crucial role amid a worldwide pandemic, additional awareness and prevention training was in order. To ensure this new foundation is in place at each appointment, a Safety Champion is assigned each day. The team member in this role will be the person spearheading answering questions from patients, ensuring social distancing is followed, and overall monitoring.
#2. Daily Health Checks
Your dental team is your teeth and gums’ greatest ally. To ensure your oral health stays in pristine condition, they need to be at the top of their game, ready and willing to provide precise, accurate, safe treatment for each patient that walks through the door. That is why no-contact temperature checks and a quick questionnaire will be completed before any team member enters the office. No exceptions.
#3. Contactless Greetings
Before COVID-19, you may have greeted your dental team with a warm handshake or friendly hug. However, to make social distancing a practical reality and limit the potential transmission of germs, contactless greetings are being implemented throughout the pandemic. So, opt for an enthusiastic wave or big smile instead!
#4. Extensive Sanitation
Long before the Coronavirus, your dental team followed rigorous safety and sanitation guidelines enforced by organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. Now, additional measures are being implemented to ensure a completely sterile environment, including:
- Placing hand sanitizing stations throughout the office
- Using CDC-approved instrument sterilization
- Cleaning after each appointment and conducting a deep cleaning each evening
- Wearing disposable coats and hats
The above measures are just a few of the many dental safety best practices that have played a vital role in keeping you safe during your dental appointments. For more information on how to prepare for your next visit to the dentist, contact your dental team!
About the Author
Dr. Virginia L. Gregory earned her dental doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1985, and she has been helping patients in her community achieve pristine oral health and beautiful smiles ever since! In response to the spread of COVID-19, she and her team implemented 19 dental safety measures with one goal in mind: to allow patients to safely get the dental care they need. If you would like to learn more or are simply looking for a dentist in Mount Pleasant, visit her website or give her a call at 843-884-8884.