Thanks to their strict sanitation protocols, dental offices have always been some of the cleanest places in the country. In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, these standards have gotten even tougher to control and prevent the spread of infections. This ensures that dentists can continue to safely provide the important oral health care you may need after many weeks in quarantine. Here are five ways your Melbourne dentist keeps their practice germ-free so you can stay healthy if you need to come in and get treatment for your smile.
1.) Excellent Hand Hygiene
As it turns out, your mother was right: washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of germs, aside from avoiding them altogether. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has especially promoted regular handwashing among dental experts since their job includes such close contact with patients’ mouths. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, your dentist has always routinely washed their hands before putting on gloves, before treating each patient, after treating each patient, and right after removing their gloves.
2.) Personal Protective Equipment
You’ve probably noticed that your dentist already wears personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, masks, eye wear, and lab coats. These are all designed to protect the most vulnerable areas of the wearer from infectious particles. To prevent the spread of germs, these items are replaced regularly and disposable items are never reused.
3.) Respiratory Health & Cough Etiquette
Like COVID-19, many viruses are spread through the dispersal of infected respiratory droplets. Respiratory health and cough etiquette measures include instructing individuals to cover their mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing, providing tissues and no-touch trash receptacles, and other means of encouraging staff and patients alike to control the spread of respiratory drolets.
4.) Sterilized Dental Instruments & Devices
Cleaning dental equipment goes far beyond simply washing it off with soap and water. In fact, many dental instruments are single-use and thrown away after coming in contact with a patient. Dental staff have taken specialized training in using high-heat and other means to completely sterilize reusable equipment after each use.
5.) Clean & Disinfected Environment
All parts of a dental office are regularly and thoroughly cleaned. Before you even enter the examination room, every surface has been cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant products. This includes the dental chair, the dental light, any handles, knobs, or switches, and every countertop. Some equipment may have protective covers that are replaced after coming in contact with each patient.
Your health and wellbeing have always been your dentist’s top priority, which is why they practice such extensive measures for infection control. You can trust that all these standards of cleanliness have only gotten higher since the COVID-19 pandemic, so you can feel confident and stay healthy when you visit your dentist for the dental care you need.
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose of Exceptional Dentistry has been practicing the highest standards of health and safety to provide excellent dentistry to the Melbourne, FL area since 1996. She and her talented staff are committed to meeting and exceeding your expectations of dentistry, which is why they have taken extra steps to ensure you are safe as possible in these uncertain times. To learn more about how Dr. Beverly Rose is keeping her practice exceptionally clean and germ-free, feel free to contact her via her website or at (321) 259-4666.