COVID-19 Is Changing Dentistry, and Our Office Is Changing With It

Operating a dental practice during the COVID-19 pandemic means a renewed awareness of patient safety. New
procedures that go above and beyond the already stringent precautions dental practices must take every day ensures
that all patients feel comfortable and safe when visiting the office. In addition to following all public health
requirements, All Smiles Dentistry has added additional safety and cleanliness procedures to reduce the potential of
COVID-19 exposure and to keep the staff and patients safe. If you have an urgent dental need or are concerned
about keeping your scheduled dental appointments, read on to learn more about the changes that have taken place at
All Smiles Dentistry.

All Smiles Dentistry has always had strict sanitation procedures in place, but these procedures have been improved
and increased beyond the standard recommendations. In compliance with public health regulations, all members of
the staff are paying close attention to cleanliness standards. Sanitation procedures extend throughout the entire
practice, including the waiting areas and front desk.

• Patients are screened for COVID-19 symptoms or potential exposure upon arrival.
• Waiting areas are frequently wiped down and shared reading materials have been removed.
• High-touch surfaces are sanitized frequently, including door handles and counters.
• Clear barriers at the front desk.
• HEPA filtration of air in public spaces.
• Ozone treatment to kill viruses, germs, and mold.
• Hand sanitizer is readily available for patient use.
• All surfaces of patient areas are sanitized between patient visits.

Another way the office has changed to meet the safety needs of patients and reduce the chances of exposure to COVID-19 is by limiting the number of patients that are seen at the same time. Patient appointments are spread out to reduce the number of people waiting at the same time. Adding additional time to each appointment also gives the staff adequate time to complete the enhanced sanitation procedures between each patient. Seeing fewer patients at the same time also decreases the number of occupied dental chairs, which allows the practice to adhere to social
distancing guidelines. We’ve asked patients to leave extra family members at home or in the car.

Social distancing procedures also apply to other areas of the practice. During check-in, you will be asked to keep a distance from others who are also arriving and you will need to wait in designated spots to be called by the front desk staff member. With spaced-out appointments fewer patients are waiting at a given time, allowing full distance in the waiting spaces.We have two separate waiting areas. If you are uncomfortable with the waiting area, you have the option to remain in your car and call the office when you arrive. The commitment to patient-centered dental care
means you have options that make you feel safe and secure.

COVID-19 regulations for health care practices arrived quickly and are still changing frequently. The team at All Smiles Dentistry is committed to staying on top of new guidelines as they occur and making sure the practice remains up to date at all times. All members of the staff remain aware of the symptoms of COVID-19 and report any changes in personal health before arriving for work. Staff are screened for fever and directed to remain home if symptomatic or if potential exposure to an individual with COVID-19 has occurred.

Members of the team are also provided with the proper personal protective equipment to remain healthy and available for your appointment. Ongoing training and communication are paramount to the safety and success of the practice. As soon as any new information is available the practice updates safety procedures accordingly and ensures
all staff members are properly trained on any new protocol. Communication among the staff and with the patients is the key to making sure the practice continues to provide an excellent standard of care in the safest way possible. If any new procedures affect patient appointments or the steps patients need to take upon arrival, a staff member will reach out immediately to make sure the information is communicated efficiently.

All Smiles Dentistry has always made great strides for superior patient safety and comfort. Due to COVID-19 the practice increased many sanitation procedures and enacted methods for social distancing that meet the current public health regulations and recommendations. Although these safety practices were enacted due to COVID-19, some of the new processes may become a regular part of the routine as everyone navigates the post COVID-19 world. If you have any questions about the safety standards, new office hours, or social distancing policies, reach out to a team member for more information. If you have a dental concern and need to schedule an appointment, contact All Smiles Dentistry today to get on the schedule and keep your smile looking and feeling healthy

The post COVID-19 Is Changing Dentistry, and Our Office Is Changing With It first appeared on All Smiles Dentistry.