PPE Per CDC Guidance for Dental Offices During COVID-19

Dental offices have adopted PPC per CDC guidance for their dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists. They continue to take up newer and more enhanced measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
PPC per CDC guidance and other safety measures during COVID-19
Most health organizations are adjusting their daily operations to meet the challenges of the novel coronavirus and the resultant social distancing. Dentists are now:
- Limiting in-person visits to dental emergencies and urgent dental care
- Adopting teledentistry for consultation and other routine dental tasks
- Updating the content on their websites to be even more targeted and informative
- Allowing for online chat options, and allocating more resources to fielding calls
- Regular disinfection of the practice between patients
- Enforcing social distancing in the front office and waiting room
Last and most importantly, dental practices now require their staff to make additions to their protective clothing and equipment. Because dentists and their assistants are the ones who come in close contact with patients, they take the strictest measures.
Personal protective equipment for front office staff
The front office staff will follow social distancing rules for the duration of a patient’s dental visit. They will also have on a lab coat and/or scrubs in addition to a face mask.
Personal protective equipment for dental assistants
Dental assistants help dentists with demanding dental procedures. They are also responsible for sterilizing and disinfecting dental instruments. This is in addition to setting up dental equipment in preparation for a procedure. Because of their close interaction with patients and dental equipment, dental assistants will wear a gown, gloves and a face mask before and during a procedure.
They may wear eye protection if they participate in a dental procedure with a chance of aerosolized debris.
Dentists, including oral surgeons and periodontists
During COVID-19, dental offices will contact their patients for screening. This consultation will likely take place via a video app. This means that when the patient comes in, they will likely be directed straight to the treatment area. There, the dentist performs an exam and carries out the appropriate dental procedure.
When a patient walks into the treatment room, they will come face to face with a dentist in a surgical gown, mask and gloves. Depending on the person’s health status and the procedure they need, the dentist may also wear eye protection or a face shield.
It will be slightly different from your regular dental visit
Best practices dictate that dental offices uphold adequate infection control protocols. For dental practitioners, this includes a gown, a mask and, sometimes, eye protection. If you have sat in a dentist’s chair before, you already know what to expect. The only difference now is that the dentist may keep a mask on at all times, and maintain social distancing until they start to examine and treat you.
If you need urgent dental care, call us. We will get you the treatment you need while catering to your safety and health requirements. The PPC per CDC Guidance that we implement is just one part of our efforts to protect you in these times we are in.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Google reviews.
Recent Posts
No matter your stage in life, maintaining a healthy smile is important. Regular visits to a family dentist provide comprehensive care for people of all ages, ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles. These routine check-ups address immediate concerns, can prevent future dental issues, and provide you and your family with the information you need to…
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those who want to enhance their smile. They are thin, custom-made shells that sit on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can correct dental imperfections, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or misshapen teeth, and gaps between teeth.If you are considering getting…
If you are looking to improve your smile, dental veneers may be the answer. They can be a great way to get a natural-looking smile without needing metal or tooth-colored fillings. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about dental veneers, including the types, benefits, placing process, and how to care for…
An emergency dentist can provide tooth-saving care in emergency dental situations. However, it is common not to know what constitutes a dental emergency nor how to handle common situations while waiting for dental care. Understanding when to seek help from an emergency dentist and how to manage the situation before you get to their office…