How Dental Practices Stay Safe and Clean During COVID-19

Across the country, COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted. However, it is wise to remain cautious in order to protect yourself from possible contamination. Wearing a mask in public, washing your hands frequently, and staying home as much as you can are all smart moves. Still, balance is important — and there is no reason to hold back from attending necessary appointments, including dental appointments. Dental offices are some of the cleanest places in the country due to their strict sanitation protocols. Let’s discuss some of the precautions that dentists are taking to promote dental practice safety during COVID-19.

Hand Hygiene

Dentists, dental hygienists, and other dental professionals are always diligent about washing their hands thoroughly and often. They wash before and after touching each patient, before and after wearing gloves, and when their hands have any visible signs of being unclean. Alcohol-based hand rubs are also used frequently to kill bacteria.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Gloves, masks, and other forms of PPE have always been abundant in dental office settings. Now, though, you might notice that your dental team is wearing more PPE than they used to. For example, they might have extra face shields. Some dental offices are also recommending that their patients wear masks in their office when they are not undergoing treatment.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

If you are coughing or have other signs of a respiratory infection, it may be wise for you to temporarily postpone your next dental treatment. If you must attend your appointment, however, your dental team may ask you to adhere to certain rules of etiquette. They might also ask you to choose a place in the waiting room that is as far from other patients as possible.

Instrument Sterilization

Dental teams take great care to ensure that the instruments they use are completely free of possible contagions. All instruments are cleaned of any visible debris before they are carefully packaged and then steam-sanitized in a special machine (an autoclave). Precautions are taken during every step of the sterilization process to prevent any sort of contamination. For example, autoclaves include test strips that help dentists ensure the machines are always working effectively.

Surface Sanitation

Dental teams frequently sanitize any surfaces that are often touched, including countertops, door handles, keyboards, and more. They may also use plastic barriers to protect some surfaces, such as lights and switches, from contamination.

This article has touched on just a few of the measures that dentists take to protect their staff members and patients from contagions. If you want to know about the specifics of what your local dentist is doing, feel free to contact them and ask questions. Your health and safety are their top priorities!

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew has been practicing dentistry in Southlake since 1989. Throughout the years, he has continually honed his skills through advanced education. He has even earned the prestigious honor of being a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. He cares deeply about the health of his patients, and he and our team are taking every precaution to fight COVID-19. To learn more about Dr. Pettigrew or our in-office safety measures, contact us at 817-481-4888.