Ingenious Dentistry and Covid-19 Safety Precautions
Since the COVID 19 pandemic began in 2020, business practices and personal actions changed drastically. Dental offices temporarily closed or postponed all non-essential procedures until a later date while decisions were being made about the safest way to see patients and perform dental screenings.
Once dental practices throughout the Houston, Texas area were able to reopen and schedule routine screenings and dental cleanings, the new goal was to implement the health safety standards recommended by the Center For Disease Control and Prevention to protect the health of both the staff and patients.
Knowing what to expect during your next dental visit can help ease some concerns about getting back into a routine.
Preparing For Your Appointment
In the past, patients typically arrive at a dental appointment prepared to fill out paperwork and update health information. To limit the time patients spend inside the waiting room, some practices choose to call patients in advance to get any insurance changes or health updates. At Ingenious Dentistry, we have a new policy where you will need to be screened and have your temperature taken before entering the building.
Many medical and dental practices have screening tables outside the building and may ask you about your recent travel and any symptoms of COVID-19 you may be experiencing. The screener may also take your temperature and make sure you are wearing a mask before entering.
Some dental practices also restrict the number of people in the building, which means you may need to attend your appointment alone unless you need help. Waiting chairs are separated by six feet or marked off to keep social distancing practices in place, and the office staff wears masks continuously for patient safety.
You may notice that magazines and other community sharing items are put away, and hand sanitizer stations have been installed for your convenience. Any items used by multiple patients, such as clipboards or pens, are sanitized between uses.
During Your Visit
For patient’s and dental providers’ health safety, some additional safety protocols have been put into place during your visit. The most noticeable change is the amount of personal protective equipment your dental hygienist and dentist may choose to wear.
Since dentists work directly in the mouth of patients and respiratory viruses are spread by droplets, your dental team may be wearing a mask, shield, or goggles, and medical gown to reduce the chance of exposure.
Equipment may also be protected with additional coverings for easier cleaning between patients. You may see fewer patients in the practice simultaneously since the team must keep distancing guidelines in mind throughout the facility.
Maintaining Your Dental Health
Now, more than ever, it is important to stay healthy. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices at home, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings help prevent major dental work, reducing the time you need to spend at the dentist getting more extensive procedures. Your dental health also affects your body’s overall health in several ways, so practicing good dental hygiene also plays a key role in your healthy home routine.
Suppose you begin to experience any of the symptoms of COVID-19 or test positive for the virus within a few days of your appointment. In that case, it is important to let your dentist know immediately. The practice will assess any risk of exposure to staff and patients and follow CDC guidelines for providing information to anyone potentially exposed.
Schedule an Appointment
If you had to postpone dental procedures or a routine dental cleaning due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Houston, Texas area, now is the time to schedule an appointment with your dentist to get caught back up.
Ingenious Dentistry team members are working hard to ensure all health and dental safety measures are being met while still maintaining the high levels of quality and customer service patients expect. Contact Ingenious Dentistry today to schedule your next appointment. Please call us at (713) 795-5905 with any concerns or questions.
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Featured Image: Getty Images / Phoenixns