Are Dentists Taking Extra Precautions To Prevent Coronavirus Spread?
You might think that now’s a bad time to be a dentist. After all‚ the COVID-19 virus is apparently spread through respiratory droplets‚ mucus and perhaps saliva – all things that Dr. Paige Woods and the staff at Brighton Dental come into contact with regularly at our San Diego dental clinic.
But along with other dentists around the nation‚ we–re following the guidelines and advice of the CDC and the American Dental Association‚ keeping ourselves and our patients as safe as possible during this global health crisis.
Let’s face it: We all come into contact with bacteria‚ viruses‚ fungi and other germs all the time. But dental practices can do a number of things to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus‚ the flu and other things we need to stay away from. Specific actions we can take include:
- Disinfecting high–touch surfaces more than ever before.
- Keeping tools and other things not in use covered.
- Insisting on more protective gear for patients and staff.
- Spacing out dental appointments so that fewer people are in the office at one time.
- Contacting patients in advance of an office visit to make sure they aren’t sick.
- Checking the temperature of all staff‚ patients and others entering the practice.
- Insisting on the use of cloth or other face masks.
- Asking patients about travel history and potential viral contact.
- Requesting that patients not arrive early or use the waiting room.
- Asking that adults not bring anyone with them to their appointment.
You can be sure that Dr. Paige Woods is doing everything possible to keep herself and her patients safe. In fact‚ at Brighton Dental in San Diego‚ everyone is making especially sure that all current protocols are being followed – so we can all emerge from this crisis healthy and happy for the next phase of our lives.