Emergency & Covid-19: Creating a Safe Environment for Our Patients

A toothache can slow even the healthiest of individuals on the best of days. During the Covid-19 era, however, walking into a dental clinic carries with it many concerns. As is the case with any task that requires us to meet with strangers or a large number of people, we think twice before heading out of the safety of our home. 

The concerns with regard to Covid-19 is greater in a dental setting. Since SARS-CoV-2 is known to spread through respiratory droplets, dentistry poses harm to dental technicians, and hence, those they come in contact with during treatments. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in its “Guidance for Dental Settings” release, urged dentists to avoid conducting aerosol-generating procedures unless absolutely necessary.

At Bay Smile Design, we take all necessary precautions put down under the American Dental Association (ADA) protocols in response to Covid-19, based on guidelines by CDC. Take a look at a few of the general precautions we execute, keeping in mind the safety of all our patients and staff.

Complete Sanitization After Every Appointment

We take extra care in preparing individual dentists’ rooms before inviting the next patient for consultation. All equipment and tools used during procedures are completely sanitized. Also, common surfaces such as chairs, counters, drawer handles, etc. are also cleaned using a disinfectant.

Use of Disposable Items

As was the routine prior to the Covid-19 outbreak as well, all one-time-use items such as syringes, aprons, gloves, and water glasses are disposed of immediately after the treatment. Every new patient receives fresh pieces for use.

Patient and Dentist Hygiene

The most important step is to ensure both the patient and dentist remain safe from any possible contact with the virus concerned. Our dentists perform hand hygiene and make sure they wear a surgical mask at all times. Also, before beginning any form of consultation, patients are provided with a mouth rinse to reduce any form of microorganisms released during procedures.

Monitoring all DHCP and Individuals in the facility

All Dental Healthcare Professionals (DHCP) constantly monitor themselves for any signs of fever or symptoms recognized to be associated with SARS-CoV-2. All of them ensure they have their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before meeting any patient. Also, every patient and anyone who accompanies them is checked for any fever sign when they enter and are enquired about their possible contact with confirmed Covid-19 patients.

Routine Cleaning

Common spaces, such as the waiting lobby, are disinfected frequently. Commonly touched items such as newspapers, magazines, and toys, have been put away for the safety of all patients, including kids.

Physical Distancing

We have taken up physical distancing measures by limiting the number of patients allowed in the facility at a time. We also encourage virtual consultation for simple cases to avoid any in-office dental procedure and also offer oral medication instead.

The safety of our patients is our prime concern. We have always promised to give our patients wonderful smiles, and we intend to keep that promise by keeping them safe and healthy too.