If you have yet to visit your dentist since the start of the COVID-19 crisis, you will find that more than a few things have changed since your last appointment. Before, we put on a mask and gloves and started your checkup but now, there are new protocols to keep you safe in a post-COVID-19 world. So, what exactly are we doing to prepare for your upcoming visit? Read on to find out.
The Preparation Checklist
On our website, you will likely find a designated page that explains the advanced safety protocols we have put into place amid the COVID-19 outbreak. While many of these are measures you will never actually witness your dental team performing, you can trust that we are closely abiding by the recommendations put forth by health and safety officials.
Some of these include:
- The Identification of a “Safety Champion”: By assigning a different member of the dental team to serve in this role, it allows everyone to take on the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of everyone in the office. From overseeing increased sanitation efforts to monitoring proper social distancing measures, the Safety Champion will serve as an ally in combatting COVID-19 within our office.
- Providing All Staff Members with Adequate Training: Knowing those individuals who are taking care of your oral health understand how to avoid contamination and the possible transmission of bacterial and viral pathogens is important. This is why we are going above and beyond to provide necessary training to all staff members on ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Checking Temperatures of All Staff: If you are not running a fever, you want to be sure that your dental hygienist and dentist are not running one either, right? You can rest assured that daily temperature checks are being performed on all staff members to ensure they are healthy and clear to work among patients throughout the day.
- Ensuring Social Distancing is Being Practiced: While it may not be the most welcoming or personable approach, social distancing is necessary at this time. From contactless check-in to temperature checks in the parking lot upon arrival, we are taking great care to avoid any possible transmission of COVID-19 from person-to-person.
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment: Apart from the regular face masks and gloves your dentist already wears, you will notice additional items being worn, including a face shield, disposable gown, and protective eyewear. These will serve to safeguard team members and fellow patients from becoming infected by potentially dangerous aerosols generated during an appointment.
As you prepare to visit our office, do not hesitate to call and speak to a staff member about these new measures. You might also inquire about the steps you can take at home before you leave for your appointment.
About the Practice
At Harrisonburg Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team of professionals are going the extra mile to protect both staff and patients. Adhering to the recommended guidelines put forth by various national organizations, we are doing our best to ensure our dental office remains clean, sanitized, and all personnel is healthy and knowledgeable about the new protocols. When visiting our office, you can feel confident that you are in an environment that is designed to offer the highest level of protection against harmful germs and bacteria. To find out what we’re doing to prepare for your upcoming appointment, visit our website or call (540) 432-6616.