Since we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be difficult to know what locations are safe and where you are putting yourself at risk. However, just because we’re experiencing a pandemic doesn’t mean that you should be neglecting your oral health. Your dentist in Medford is taking all sorts of additional steps, including the use of personal protective equipment, to keep you and your family safe during this time. Read on to learn about how your dentist is protecting patients.
What Types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Does Your Dentist Use?
Here are four different types of PPE that your dental team is using at this time:
- Gloves: In addition to frequent handwashing, dentists wear disposable gloves when working in patients’ mouths. This is nothing new for your dental team and the gloves are disposed of after each and every patient.
- Surgical Masks: Just like gloves, your dentist always uses a surgical mask when working closely with patients. They serve as a protective barrier to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses that can travel through droplets in the air when you speak, cough, sneeze, or breathe.
- Protective Clothing: The dental team will be wearing another protective layer of clothing over their scrubs to minimize the spread of particles when deemed necessary. This includes protective coats and hats.
- Face Shields: In addition to using a mask as a barrier to limit the spread of illnesses, the clinical team will also be using FDA approved PET face shields as an additional form of protection.
How Else Does Your Dentist Protect Patients?
Here are some additional steps being taken at the dental office to keep both the staff and patients safe from COVID-19 at this time:
- Advanced Staff Training: All team members have completed additional awareness and prevention programs to enhance their knowledge.
- Daily Health Checks: Each day, a no contact temperature check and a quick set of questions is administered to the dental team.
- Virtual Waiting Room: You can now check-in for your appointment from your car. Just call to let the dental team know that you’ve arrived.
- Patient Pre-Screening: All patients are given a quick health questionnaire and consent form to fill out. There will also be a no-touch temperature check upon arrival.
- Sequenced Patient Scheduling: Appointments are spread apart further than usual to allow for additional cleaning and less contact between patients.
This year has been different from any other, but that doesn’t mean that your oral health should suffer. Remember that your dentist is doing everything in their power to keep you and your smile healthy!
About the Author
After graduating from Harvard College, Dr. Anthony Giamberardino earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. He has been practicing for more than 30 years and is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (781) 396-3800.