The next time you visit your dentist in Stephens City for an appointment, you may notice that the whole experience looks and feels a bit different. That’s okay, because the truth is that things have changed considerably. Dental practices have slowly begun the process of reopening after closing their doors to preventive care visits during the COVID-19 crisis. They are adding new health and safety policies to minimize the risk of spreading the virus while providing care. Take a look at the following procedures that are currently being used so that you can be more prepared for your upcoming visit.
1. Fewer Patients
Dentists know that having a lot of people move through their offices increases the risk of spreading COVID-19. Practices are seeing less patients per day in order to allow more time to clean the office and follow safety precautions while providing treatment. They are also dedicating certain times during the day to high risk patients, as well as scheduling entire families at the same time to reduce the risk of contamination between households.
2. Pre-Appointment Procedures
Before you even step foot in your dentist’s office, team members will be taking precautions to prevent COVID-19 from entering with you. These include:
- Pre-appointment screenings: Staff members will ask if you have had any symptoms of the virus in the past week. If so, you may be asked to delay your appointment until you feel better.
- Virtual waiting rooms: Some practices may request that you wait in your car prior to the official start time of your visit.
- Temperature checks: Using a no touch device, a team member will take your temperature before your appointment begins to confirm that you don’t have a fever.
- Anti-microbial rinses: Your hygienist may provide you with one to use before starting treatment to reduce the number of germs released from your mouth.
3. Enhanced Disinfection
Dental team members are now cleaning treatment rooms after each appointment and deep cleaning the entire office at the end of the day. They are also using new germ fighting technology like:
- Hospital grade hand washing stations
- HEPA air filters and air purifiers
- Ultraviolet light boxes that can sterilize patient’s phones
4. More Protective Equipment
Prior to the pandemic, surgical masks and gloves were the standard pieces of personal safety equipment in dental offices. Now, disposable coats, hats, and shoe coverings are also being used to prevent the buildup of viral particles on staff members’ clothes during the day.
These new procedures have no impact on the quality of care you’re going to receive during your next visit. Your dentist remains committed to giving you everything you need to achieve the best smile possible. They are just adding more methods to keep you safe while doing so.
About the Author
Thomas Gromling provides family dentistry and sleep apnea treatment services to the residents of Stephens City. His office adheres to guidelines set by the CDC and ADA to protect patients from COVID-19. If you would like to know more about his treatment policies, you can reach out to him through his website or at 540-869-4377.