Dental offices around the US have begun re-opening, and that includes Dodds Dental. We’re now open for routine dental care, including cleanings and oral exams. But is it really safe to visit the dentist during COVID-19? Read on to learn more about the safety protocols we’ve adopted to keep our patients and staff safe during the COVID-19 outbreak!
Patient & Staff Checks
First, we’re screening all of our staff before work to ensure that they are healthy, have a normal temperature, and are not exhibiting any signs of any sickness, including COVID-19.
We also require our patients to answer a pre-appointment questionnaire and have their temperatures taken upon arrival at our office. We also will ask you to wash your hands. We recommend wearing a mask, if possible. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you before your appointment.
Social Distancing Precautions
When you come to our office for an appointment, you can text or call us from your car to check in, and we will call you into our office when your room is ready, to reduce the time you spend in our office.
We ask that, if possible, you come alone to your appointment to reduce the number of people in our office. We are also staggering appointment times to reduce patient-to-patient interaction, so your appointment time may be shifted by 10-20 minutes.
Enhanced Sterilization & Operatory Disinfection Procedures
We have always followed all CDC, OSHA and ADA requirements for disinfection and sterilization of our operatories and other medical rooms. In addition, our recent office remodel includes an all-new sterilization center. We have also taken additional steps like introducing Medify air purifiers with H13 medical-grade HEPA filters, which will eliminate 99.97% of harmful airborne particles.
Hourly Cleaning Of Common Surfaces
We are now cleaning all common surfaces (counters, bathrooms, chairs, tables, etc.) at least once per hour, and we have removed objects like chapstick, magazines, books, toys, and complimentary coffee and water from common areas. Coffee, water, and chapstick are still available upon request.
Peroxide Rinses & PPE To Protect Patients & Staff
We ask patients to rinse with hydrogen peroxide to cleanse their mouths before their appointment. Hydrogen peroxide has been shown to be very effective at destroying coronavirus particles.
In addition, we are taking steps to prevent aerosolized saliva particles. To protect our staff, we are wearing N95 masks and level 3 surgical masks, as well as protective eyewear, face shields, and reusable medical gowns that are changed after every patient, and professionally laundered by a medical linen facility. Additional PPE like shoes/shoe covers and head covers may be worn, depending on the procedure.
Need Dental Care During COVID-19? Our Office Is A Safe Place To Be!
The above precautions are just an abbreviated list of everything we’re doing to keep our staff and patients safe during this challenging time. If you’d like to learn more about our safety precautions or you are interested in scheduling an appointment, please contact us online or give us a call at (562) 439-0754. Dr. Dustin and Dr. Emily Dodds are standing by, and are always ready to provide you and your family with the dental care you need in Long Beach.
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