A few months ago, it wouldn’t have been unusual to see someone in a pair of scrubs walking through the aisles of your local grocery store. Now, that same sight is highly unlikely to happen. In order to maintain dental office safety during COVID-19, practices have implemented new rules and policies. When it comes to uniforms, many are requiring staff to use disposable coats during the day and change in and out of their work clothes at the office. But how exactly do these procedures keep you safe? In this article, you’ll find out why and learn about other policies your dentist is using to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
How Clothing Makes A Difference
Dental professionals are trying to prevent germs from moving in and out of their offices. Even when staff do their best to avoid direct contact with patients, they can still risk have germs land on their clothes when they cough or sneeze. In fact, one study found that 30% of medical workers’ scrubs had pathogenic bacteria on them at the end of the day.
When dentist office staff change into a dedicated pair of scrubs at their office prior to starting work, they’re stopping some of the germs they were exposed to outside from reaching patients. When the day is over, changing out of their scrubs and back into other clothes limits the spread of germs from patients to people outside the office. Practices are also providing staff with personal protective equipment to prevent germs from accumulating on them throughout the day.
Steps Your Dentist Is Taking To Keep You Safe
Dental offices are taking a comprehensive approach to stopping COVID-19. In addition to changing clothes and using personal protective equipment, many practices are:
- Providing consultations and postoperative checkups through the internet
- Screening patients prior to entry to detect symptoms of COVID-19
- Implementing one way traffic paths and installing plastic barriers at the reception desk
- Using hand sanitizing stations before and after each appointment
- Installing air filters and advanced suction devices in operatories to capture aerosols
- Disinfecting areas that patients come in contact with after each appointment
- Reducing close contact by not hugging patients or shaking their hands
While many aspects of life have changed during this crisis, the importance of your dental health has remained the same. Dentists know that you are going to continue relying on their expertise to keep your teeth safe and clean during this time. Your dentist in Bartlesville has implemented these and other procedures so that you can continue to receive the comfortable care you’ve grown accustomed to.
About The Author
Dr. Luke Lumpkin attended the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and graduated in 2006. He is a member of both the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association. He prides himself on building relationships with patients and providing them with high quality care. During the COVID-19 crisis, he continues to see patients while taking extra steps to ensure their safety. If you would like more information about his practice, you can reach out to him through his website or at 918-336-6777.