As dental offices are allowed to see non-emergency patients once more, dentists are so happy to be able to see all of their smiling patients. Our dentists have always taken patient health and sanitation very seriously, but in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking additional steps to ensure our patients, staff members, and families remain safe. You can learn more about some of the additional safety steps we’re taking in this blog.
1 – In-Office Social Distancing
We know it doesn’t seem possible, but we are practicing social distancing, to the best of our ability, while patients are in the office. It starts from the moment you arrive. Rather than coming in, standing at the reception desk, and sitting in the waiting room, you’ll be asked to call our office to go through the check in process from your car. Once it’s time for your appointment, a dental assistant will instruct you to put on your face mask, and they will accompany you to the treatment room. If you do need to wait in our reception area, our seating has been positioned to meet social distancing recommendations. After your visit, we’ll ask that you put your mask back on before heading back out to your car.
2 – Increased Sanitation
We have always been committed to using advanced sanitation protocols for our dental exam rooms, shared spaces, and dental instruments. We are continuing to maintain sanitation protocols that meet or exceed industry standards. Additionally, we are asking patients to use a pre-appointment oral rinse that has been shown to minimize viruses. We have also introduced Isodry technology into our operatories. This system significantly reduces generated aerosol up to 90%, and we will continue to use our high-speed suction tools during treatment to minimize residual aerosol.
Our office surfaces are being cleaned and sanitized frequently, and all treatment rooms will be sanitized between patients. We have also added sneeze guards which are protective plexiglass shields to the counters of our front desk and our consultation room.
3 – Better Protective Equipment
All of our staff members will be wearing face masks to interact with patients. Our dental assistants and dentists are wearing layers of personal protection equipment (PPE) during treatment. You’ll see us wearing a mask, face shield, and jacket. These layers protect us while we’re working, and they keep you safe during your appointment. Between patients, PPE will be sanitized or disposed of, so you can rest assured that you will not be exposed to potentially contaminated PPE.
4 – Commitment to Individual Safety
Every day before we enter the office, the whole team will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and our temperatures will be monitored. Additionally, when patients arrive, our dental assistants will meet them at their cars, ask a series of screening questions, and take their temperatures before they are admitted into the dental office building. While entering and exiting the building, patients will be required to wear face masks and practice social distancing if they happen to run into another patient or team member.
Welcome Back to McCarl Dental Group in Greenbelt!
We know the past few months have been stressful, and we’re just grateful to be able to welcome our dental patients back into the office for regular preventive dentistry and non-emergency dental care. Your comfort and safety remain our top priorities, so please let us know if we can help make your visit less stressful. Don’t hesitate to contact our Greenbelt dental office if you have any questions. We can’t wait to see your smile!