New Standards: What to Expect from Dental Appointments During COVID-19

When You Arrive

The new safety standards start the moment you arrive at the office. Rather than spending some time in a crowded waiting area, many practices have put systems in place that allow you to check-in and wait directly from your car. Also, the waiting rooms themselves have far fewer chairs which are all spaced at least six feet apart to ensure social distancing.

Before your appointment, you will receive a health check consisting of a no-touch temperature screening and a questionnaire that helps to determine if you have recently been exposed to the virus. Each member of the dental team receives this same test before the start of business each day to make sure that both the patients and dental professionals will not pass on harmful microorganisms to one another.

During Your Procedure

Given how close you are to the dentist, hygienist, and assistant during your appointment, it’s crucial that they take extra protective steps to keep you safe. In addition to the masks and gloves that they always wear, dental teams are now incorporating face shields, surgical gowns, goggles, and surgical caps into daily practice. This effectively covers them from head to toe and greatly diminishes the chances of any harmful particles becoming airborne.

After You Leave

Dental practices adhere to very high cleanliness standards. After every appointment, each exposed surface in the operatory is completely disinfected and all used dental instruments go through a rigorous sterilization process. These processes, coupled with a nightly deep cleaning of the office, help to maintain a completely sanitary environment for patients.

Your health and safety are the top priorities at the dental office. The steps mentioned in this post are only a handful of the many new precautions that have been put in place. You can rest assured that you’ll be completely safe during your next appointment.

About the Author

Dr. Patrick Carroll is committed to helping his patients have great health and exceptional smiles. Since graduating from dental school at the University of Louisville, he has spent thousands of hours continuing his education and learning the most modern, advanced techniques in dentistry. He is the only graduate in Kentucky of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute and takes pride in being able to provide his patients with the very best. If you would like to learn more about how he and his team at Exceptional Dentistry are keeping patients safe during the pandemic, call the practice at (502) 498-8297 or send them an email.