Dental Offices and COVID-19
In a survey conducted in June 2020 by the American Dental Association, less than 1% of dentists in the nation tested positive for COVID-19 which attests to the effectiveness of the enhanced safety practices. Read the paper published by The Journal of the American Dental Association.
Enhanced Safety Procedures
On May 8, 2023, the CDC updated infection control guidance with the expiration of the federal COVID-19 Public health emergency. We will continue to implement most protocols we adapted during the height of the pandemic including the:
Our office is protected by HEPA air filtration systems.
Surfaces are wiped down regularly including the bathroom and reception area.
Sneeze guards and face shields are used when able as a barricade between staff and patients.
Patients are required to do a diluted hydrogen peroxide pre-rinse to reduce risk of infection via aerosols.
Why are these called enhanced safety procedures? Before the COVID-19 pandemic, dental offices were subject to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for infection control.
Infection Control
All surfaces in the exam room including the dental chair, dental light, drawer handles and countertops, have been cleaned and disinfected. Equipment covered with protective covers are replaced after each patient.
Non-disposable items such as dental tools are cleaned and sterilized between patients using autoclave sterilization.
Disposable dental tools and needles are never reused.
All dental staff involved in patient care to use appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns and eyewear when needed. After each patient, disposable gloves and masks are thrown away. Before seeing the next patient, everyone on the treatment team washes their hands and put on a new pair of gloves.
Your well being is important to us. Thank you for trusting us with your dental care.