How We Clean and Sanitize Our Dental Clinic

At Smith Dentalworks, we have always stayed up to date with the latest sterilization protocols to protect everyone who enters our dental clinic. Following recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and other trusted organizations allows us to ensure that we are practicing dentistry as safely as possible. As we reopen, this is more important than ever.

Here are some of the ways that we clean and sanitize our clinic:

New Methods

For the most part, we are either continuing our existing safety protocols or enhancing them to provide additional protection. There are some new methods that we are also implementing. This includes adding medical-grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to all operatories. We also have new procedures for dentist appointments that include social distancing policies, symptom screening, and virtual appointments when possible.

Existing Protocols

There are many actions that we have always taken in order to sanitize our office.

These include:

Hand Hygiene

Hand washing and other aspects of hand hygiene are some of the most important factors in reducing the spread of harmful microorganisms. We have always taken this very seriously and our team follows strict protocols for when and how to wash their hands.

Sharps Safety

Safely disposing of sharps reduces the risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens. We continue to follow CDC guidelines for sharps safety.

Sterilizing Instruments

When possible, we use single-use products and dispose of these safely after use. If this is not an option, we use an autoclave to sterilize all instruments and devices using heat.

Enhanced Procedures

Along with the sanitary measures we have always taken, we are enhancing or expanding some of our existing protocols.

These include:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) helps keep our personnel and patients safe. Our existing guidelines include wearing gloves, masks, and eyewear. We have added face shields, head coverings, and longer gowns.

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is available throughout the dental clinic. We have added more locations for added convenience and ease of use.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

Cleaning and disinfecting the office has always been a priority. We use hospital-level disinfectants that have been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition to operatory areas, we have expanded our cleaning and disinfection to cover even more surfaces throughout the entire office.

Minimizing Aerosols

Minimizing the spread of aerosols is especially important due to COVID-19. We have reviewed our procedures and technologies to further protect our patients and team. We are using additional High Vac intraoral and extraoral suction devices during aerosol-producing procedures.

Safe and Trustworthy Dentistry

Our priority is ensuring your safety, comfort, and wellbeing while supporting you in improving and maintaining your oral health. Although we are making some changes to how we operate, this principle remains the same and will continue to guide our decisions. We look forward to treating you in the safest way possible.

To schedule an appointment at our dental clinic, contact us today.

What to Expect from your Dentist Appointment

We hope this post finds you all healthy and safe. At Smith Dentalworks, we love what we do, and helping care for our patients brings great joy to our lives. The health and safety of our team, patients, family members, and community have always been a priority. During the current situation regarding COVID-19, we have been closely following recommendations from a variety of trusted organizations. These include the American Dental Association (ADA), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As we reopen for patients, we want to give you a better idea of what you might expect from your dentist appointment with our new safety protocols in place.

What You Can Always Expect From Us

Certain aspects of our care have not changed and this includes our commitment to you as a patient. You can always expect informative, innovative, and individualized dental care from our team. During your dentist appointment, we will work hard to make you feel comfortable and will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Whether it is your first visit or you are a returning patient, you can trust that you are in great hands.

Changes to Dentist Appointments

To keep everyone in our office and community safe, we are making some changes to how we handle dental visits. If you have an appointment scheduled, we will discuss these new procedures with you directly before you come into our office. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Some new expectations for your dentist appointment:

Virtual Dental Care

When it is appropriate, we will schedule a virtual appointment with you. If you are not sure whether coming into our office or meeting virtually is best for your situation, let us know and we will discuss your options with you.

Screening for COVID-19 Symptoms

To reduce the risk of exposure, we will be pre-screening all patients before they visit our office. We will ask about any potential symptoms or high-risk behaviors and there will be an additional form you must complete before your appointment. In addition to asking these questions before your appointment, we will screen you for symptoms again when you arrive and will take your temperature with a no-touch infrared thermometer. This process is non-invasive and quick. If your temperature is above 100.4℉, we will reschedule your appointment. Our team members will undergo a similar screening process each day.

Waiting for Your Appointment

When possible, we will ask you to wait in your vehicle. When we are ready to begin your examination, we will call you and let you know. This minimizes the number of patients in our clinic at one time. If you do need to use our waiting room, we have rearranged this space to maximize social distancing. We also encourage you to wear a face mask.

Who Can Enter the Office

We ask that no one besides you (the patient) enters the office. The exceptions to this are if you are the adult guardian of a minor patient or you are an adult who requires a caretaker.

Minimizing Aerosols

If you are having any aerosol-producing dental work done, we will be using additional High Vac extraoral and intraoral suction devices.

Enhanced Dental Office Safety

Smith Dentalworks has always followed procedures to keep you safe, but we have added even more protocols during the current situation. These include additional personal protective equipment (PPE), enhanced total office sanitation and disinfection, and using medical-grade high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters in all operatory areas.

Safe Dentistry

We want you to feel comfortable and trust that you are safe when you visit our dental office. If you have any questions about what to expect from your next dental visit, please let us know.

To schedule a dentist appointment, contact us today.