Even as the country slowly begins to reopen, it’ important to remember that the threat of COVID-19 isn’t gone. Thankfully, dental professionals have always been experts at keeping both your smile and their tools impeccably clean. In these unusual times, they are taking even more infection control precautions to safeguard your health if you need to come in for dental care. Read on to learn more about the different ways your Plainview dentist is keeping their instruments and practice spotless in the coronavirus pandemic.
Utilizing Single-Use Tools
For some procedures, the risk of spreading germs can be completely eliminated by using single-use dental tools. Items like needles and suction tube tips are designed to be thrown away after coming in contact with a patient. They are disposed of in a dedicated receptacle according to CDC guidelines to contain the dispersion of germs.
Sterilizing Reusable Instruments
Items like dental mirrors, scalers, and handpieces (drills) that cannot be thrown away are thoroughly sanitized. Each tool is disinfected between uses with specific methods outlined by the CDC and the ADA, like:
- Autoclave, or applying steam under pressure.
- High dry-heat oven.
- Chemiclave, or use of a cleaning chemical vapor.
These specialized machines are tested regularly to ensure they’re always working properly.
Sanitizing Fixtures & Surfaces
Larger, immovable equipment in your dentist’s examination room needs to be sanitized as well. Anything the dentist or their patient touches is disinfected before the next patient enters the room. This includes objects like countertops, sink handles, doorknobs, switches, the dental light, keyboards, and the examination chair. First, the surface is cleaned with soap and water to wash away any debris that could shelter smaller, potentially infected particles. Then, the object is sanitized with a hospital-grade disinfectant to kill any lingering microorganisms.
Disinfecting Personal Protective Equipment
Keeping your dental team’s working wardrobe germ-free is just as important as sanitizing other dental equipment. To prevent the spread of particles during your treatment, they will:
- Utilized disposable items like gloves, protective coats, and shoe coverings to ensure no particles are carried on their skin or clothes throughout the practice.
- Disinfect reusable equipment like face shields and eyewear after each patient.
- Change into and out of work scrubs only while at work to prevent bringing any outside germs into the office.
Extra Precautions to Keep You Germ-Free
Everyone has a part to play in keeping dental practices clean during a pandemic. To help keep you and the practice as healthy as possible, you’ll be asked to:
- Dispose of your gloves before entering the practice.
- Sanitize your phone in the UV smartphone box.
- Disinfect your hands and use an antimicrobial mouthwash.
Many of the new COVID-19 safety protocols like sterilizing dental tools and disinfecting equipment happen behind the scenes. However, you can rest assured that your dental team is going above and beyond to keep your smile and their instruments as clean as possible throughout the pandemic.
About the Practice
Now and always, our dental team at Meadowbrook Dentistry is committed to the overall wellbeing of Plainview, NY. They have always met and exceeded the ambitious sanitation standards set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To make every visit during the COVID-19 pandemic as safe as possible for their patients and staff alike, they have added 32 additional infection control protocols. If you’d like to learn more about their Commitment to Safety, feel free to contact them via their website or at (516) 346-5655.