The pandemic hit, and the world as we knew it changed. Seemingly overnight, social distancing guidelines were in place, stay-at-home orders were mandated, and face coverings were a routine part of our everyday lives. Although the transition out of quarantine has begun, the battle against the Coronavirus is not yet over. Therefore, many patients are curious about what their dental team is doing to ensure their safety during their routine visits. If you have found yourself wondering the same thing, then your dentist in Greenfield is here to share four measures dental teams are implementing at your appointment during COVID-19.
Contactless Greetings
Did you know that the CDC estimates 185,000 deaths have been prevented by social distancing? Therefore, businesses from your grocery store to your dental practice are implementing the 6-foot distance standard into their daily operations. While you and your dentist will inevitably breach this guideline in the treatment chair, you can use minimal to no-contact greetings throughout the office to practice social distancing. Therefore, opt for a friendly wave or air high-five over a handshake or hug at your next visit.
New Patient Scheduling Protocol
In the “old days,” dental offices were known for their jam-packed schedules and sardine-style seating. However, your dentist is implementing a new form of patient scheduling to ensure their practice remains a safe, sterile environment. At your next appointment, you can expect:
- Sequenced patient scheduling to reduce foot traffic and allow for ample cleaning time.
- At-risk patient hours dedicated solely to mature and medically-concerned patients.
- Expanded patient appointments that allow more dentistry to be done in one single visit.
Extensive Sanitation Measures
Pre-pandemic, your dentist and their team painstakingly followed cleanliness standards put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA). Today, they are taking those already high standards to the next level by:
- Placing hospital-grade hand sanitizing stations throughout their office.
- Cleaning between each appointment.
- Conducting a deep cleaning each evening.
- Using CDC-approved instrument sterilization.
- Offering a Hydrogen Peroxide rinse for you to use before your appointment.
- Implementing additional personal hygiene standards for the team (i.e., change work clothes at work, no jewelry, etc.).
Additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Personal protective equipment continues to be an integral part of keeping you and your dental team safe during your appointment. Before 2020, a face mask and new set of gloves were sufficient, but in light of the current pandemic, the CDC recommends additional PPE be worn. Therefore, don’t be surprised to see your dentist in face shields, disposable coats, and shoe coverings!
With new information surfacing each day, it can be difficult to know what is considered a safe or dangerous activity. Since your oral care significantly impacts your overall health, your dental team is incorporating the above four measures into their daily operations. That way, your teeth and gums can get the attention they need without compromising your safety!
About the Practice
At BGH Dental, each member of the team is united behind their passion to create trusting relationships, provide exemplary dental services, and deliver world-class care. With their friendly staff at their side, Dr. Jenna Bagley, Dr. Sean Hrinda, and Dr. Woodlock use their clinical expertise and extensive experience to help patients with everything from preventive to emergency dentistry. If you would like additional information on how they are using their expertise to keep their patients safe during COVID-19, please visit their website or give them a call at 413-772-0842.