The pandemic has changed how people socialize, work, and run businesses. Making the necessary changes is crucial for the safety of the community. This is especially true for healthcare professions, like dentistry. Your dentist in Hamden is taking many new steps to keep his staff and patients safe. This includes asking all patients to use an anti-microbial rinse before they get treatment. Continue reading to learn why.
Why Do I Need to Rinse Before My Appointment?
Anti-microbial rinses have not been tested against any coronavirus strains, however using mouthwash has proven to kill most microorganisms in as little as 30 seconds. These rinses eliminate 99% of germs that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath. Before you receive treatment, your dentist will ask you to rinse out your mouth to decrease the probability of spreading bacteria or viruses to your dental staff.
What Other Steps Is My Dentist Taking?
In addition to anti-microbial rinses, your dentist is taking many precautions to decrease the likelihood of spreading COVID-19. Here are just a few:
Daily Health Checks of the Team
Every day, when the dental team comes into the office, they are required to answer a set of questions regarding their current health and have their temperature taken using a no-touch thermometer to ensure they are ready, able, and willing to provide safe dental care.
Patient Pre-Screening
All patients are required to complete a health questionnaire and consent form when they come in for their appointment. Patients will also have their temperature taken using a no touch thermometer to ensure that they don’t have a fever.
Virtual Waiting Room
Instead of checking-in at the reception desk, now patients can check-in from their cars. All that you need to do is call your dental staff to let them know that you’ve arrived. They will alert you when they’re ready for you. This way, you can bypass the entire waiting area and go directly to your treatment room.
Sequenced Patient Scheduling
Your dental staff is scheduling patient appointments to be spaced out further apart than usual. This will prevent unnecessary contact between patients and allow for additional cleaning between appointments.
Social Distancing
Just like other businesses, your dental office will be enforcing social distancing. Chairs have been removed from the waiting area to make it easier for patients to keep 6 feet away from each other at all times. There will also be helpful signs and one-way traffic in the treatment area.
Your appointment may look quite a bit different than previously, but your dentist is doing everything in his power to keep you safe. Thanks to these new precautions, including anti-microbial rinses, you can visit your dentist knowing that you are in good hands.
About the Author
Dr. Robert M. Pantera and his team are located in Hamden, CT. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and he attended a General Practice Residency Program at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, the Connecticut State Dental Association, and the New Haven Dental Society. He and his team are taking 27 additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (203) 288-0951.
