Going to the dentist is vital to your oral and overall health. But as you watch numerous patients and staff shuffle throughout the office, you may wonder what measures are put in place to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Dental offices follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), but what do those look like in a clinical setting?
Understanding how your dental office prioritizes your health and safety may minimize any dental anxiety you experience when it’s time for your appointment.
Keeping an Office Clean and Healthy
Dental professionals clearly understand the cleaning methods that prevent the spread of germs. They use various methods, such as spraying disinfectants in the waiting room or administrative office. Exam rooms and instruments are more thoroughly disinfected and sterilized before being used on the next patient. And if the item cannot be sterilized then it is discarded after use.
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) are items used by clinicians to protect both themselves and the patient. This protective equipment includes:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Masks
- Lab coats
Some dental offices, such as oral surgeons, may also use head coverings during surgical procedures. By wearing PPE, dental staff members provide patients peace of mind that they follow crucial protocols that help prevent the spread of germs while undergoing dental care.
Team Work
Keeping everyone safe requires effort from every team member. Everyone must do their part to maintain an office with high standards. Whether that’s keeping abreast of changing regulations, PPE inventory, or learning about the newest method contributing to a safe environment, the dental team must work together.
A Friendly, Safe Dental Office
A dental office that maintains a safe and healthy environment helps to protect every patient, staff member, and visitor. At David W. Piper, DMD Family Dentistry, we follow the necessary protocols to ensure our practice is a clean, safe place for our patients. Call us at (727) 548-7100 to schedule your routine dental cleaning and exam!
Dr. Piper is a General and Cosmetic Dentist who has proudly served Pinellas County since 1993. Both he and his team of professionals provide high quality, gentle dental care in a relaxed, personalized, and caring environment. Treating patients like family sets his practice apart from others.
