COVID - 19 Pandemic

This COVID - 19 Pandemic has changed the world as know it.  It has changed the way we practice dentistry.  As a periodontal surgeon I have learned the importance of keeping a very clean practice.  This is especially true when performing any type of oral surgery.  In my practice before this Corona pandemic I would ensure that I use sterile technique in all of my surgeries.  I would make sure that my assistant and I are on the same page of sterile set up and they would see my frustration when sterile technique is not followed.  

However adding the pandemic into the mix I am now looking into more and more ways of battling the microscopic enemy.  All patients now are required to go through several screenings for possible covid-19 infection.  We have each patient get their temperature read prior to going into the back clinic.  Everyone is also required to fill out a screening worksheet provided by the ADA in order to decrease the risk of a possible covid infection.  If the patient is able to successfully pass through the first two screening efforts then we have everyone was their hands for 20 seconds with soap and water.  They are also required to rinse with a antimicrobial rinse.  Usually consisting a hydrogen peroxide dilution or 0.12% chlorohexidine rinse.  

In the back operatory I also have an air filtration machine that helps clear the air.  I am also investing in the near future a new air filtration machine that has claims to have a Kill Rate of 99.98% of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Shown by Aerus Hydroxyl Blaster with ActivePure® Technology.  

https://onguard365.com/covid-19/

While in our practice you will notice that we have barriers in the front office and keep our office very clean.  Every employee in our office will be wearing at least a level 3 mask at all times.  

There will only be one patient allowed in the waiting room at most times.  If there are multiple people that need to come in social distancing of 6 feet will be followed.  We have 3 separate room operatories that also provide more protection to our patients and office team.  

Over the next few months we will also have the opportunity of get the COVID-19 vaccine.  This will also give another layer of protection and confidence in our practice that will decrease the danger of spreading the COVID-19 virus.  

These are very scary times, at any moment just when we are not being careful we may catch the virus and spread it to ones we care about without knowing.  It is our responsibility as medical and dental providers to do as much as we can to help decrease the risk of this virus.  If there is anything else that you feel would help improve the cleanliness and sterility of our practice please don't hesitate to let me know.  

References:

 https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

https://onguard365.com

https://success.ada.org/en/practice-management/patients/safety-and-clinical?utm_source=cpsorg&utm_medium=covid-nav&utm_content=nav-safety-clinical&utm_campaign=covid-19