Over the past several weeks, COVID-19 has forced people all over the country to make some dramatic changes in their daily lives. While many businesses have been forced to make serious considerations in how they conduct themselves, sanitization protocols are a fact of life for dental practices. They already take many steps to prevent disease transmission and protect the safety of their patients, and the current pandemic only makes them push these high standards even further. To learn why you have nothing to worry about when it’s time for your routine checkup with a dentist in Naples, take a moment to read about the many precautions taken prior to your arrival and after you finish your appointment!
Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment
The most important measure that dental practices take in preventing disease transmission is consistent hand-washing before and after they see a patient. While antiseptic, alcohol-based hand rubs are good to use, soap and water is actually the most effective method for removing dirt and debris as well as bacteria. On top of that, dentists and team members wear medical-grade protective equipment, such as gloves, face masks, and in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, even face shields.
Additional Pre-Screenings for Patients
Prior to your appointment, the dentist’s team members will ask you a few questions in order to determine if you are able to visit the office at this time. For example, they may ask you about your current health and if you have experienced any recent symptoms, such as a cough, fever or shortness of breath, which are the most common symptoms of COVID-19. You may need to fill out a medical history and send it to the practice before attending. Temperature checks are also common for both patients and team members alike. These added measures are imperative to protecting other patients as well as the dentist and their team.
Accommodating Social Distancing
As part of the additional protections dental practices are performing, dentists are now limiting the number of patients that can be inside the office at a time. This includes asking patients to wait in their cars before they arrive for an appointment and providing more time in between scheduled appointments so that you aren’t forced to wait for too long. It also includes asking patients to wear facial masks as they enter the office and removing waiting rooms entirely.
Sterilization and Disinfecting Practices
Dental offices already make sure to sterilize all reusable dental instruments and properly throw away all disposable materials used in the office. While practices would thoroughly disinfect and deep clean their office daily, now you’ll find them cleaning the office throughout the day and performing disinfection practices even more often than before as an extra precaution.
Dentists care very deeply about keeping you safe, whether there’s a pandemic present or not. With these habits in mind, you have nothing to worry about.
About Galleria Dentistry
The dentists at Galleria Dentistry are highly dedicated to making all patients feel safe and secure during their dental appointments, whether it’s for a routine exam or an emergency procedure. Their office has taken the time to include many additional protocols to their daily routine, ensuring that you can complete your appointments with confidence. To schedule your next visit or learn more, you can contact them through their website.