Seven decisions that make your practice safer against Covid19

The emergence of covid19 global crisis changed dentistry offices along with many other parts of our world. When the pandemic started, people realized that the standard protective gear may not be enough protection in their new situation, and dental offices had to close for all but emergency patients.

After about two years, when we have gained more information about SARS-CoV-2, learned lessons from a pandemic, and finally the vaccination has started; the novel coronavirus doesn’t seem as great a threat as in its beginning. Dental practices are gradually returning to normal, too.

The covid-19 pandemic made people think on making new or improved technologies and products for dental practices that enables them to operate more safely and efficiently at the time of the probable next pandemic. There are more, and better, products for Covid-safety now than two years ago. To help you decide how you are going to equip your practice for operating during a pandemic, read on.

Calculate the risk for each patient:

You can make a questionnaire and ask patients to fill it before setting a meeting time. This will definitely help you adjust your methods and schedule to protect staff and patients.

2. Buy preventive gear

There are various advanced technological products on the market that can help you arm your office against Covid transmission. We suggest you think about buying at least one of the following devices, if you don’t have them already.

Air purifiers and Aerosol vacuums
1. Aerosol generating procedures (AGPs) are a critical potential source of transmission of respiratory infections including Covid19. By Investing in an aerosol reducer and/or air purifier device for your office you can reduce the chance of getting Covid19.
2. You can buy a single-purpose Aerosol reducer or another device that can vacuum aerosol as an extra feature.
Teledentistry Platforms
1. Due to their perfect effectiveness in preventing the transmission of viruses, Teledentistry platforms got much more popular during the Covid pandemic. The critical need to minimize disease transmission made manufacturers not only design new, more advanced products, but also improve the features of existing ones.
2. They remain useful even after the pandemic, as they can be used to provide dentistry services from a distance.

Follow a regular disinfection schedule based on precise protocols

Remember that all horizontal, frequently touched surfaces, and most critically, areas that are in contact with aerosol should be completely disinfected using hospital-grade disinfectants. This must be done at least twice a day.

You can choose the right disinfectant products by checking certificates and licenses granted to the manufacturer for those products.

Let your patients know you’re careful

Inform your patient that you are using Covid prevention products, follow a precise disinfection protocol, and plan your meetings in a way to reduce Covid transmission. It helps to also provide face masks and hand sanitizer at your dental office. These actions calms your patient’s mind and make them trust you more.

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