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To maintain a licensed and dental practice, dentists must adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to sanitizing and disinfecting all instruments, equipment, and surfaces. It is far too easy for viruses and bacteria to be transmitted, which is why COVID-19 is requiring dental practices throughout the country to take additional precautions to keep both staff and patients safe. What is your local dentist doing to keep their office clean and free of potential contamination? Read on to find out what steps are being taken so you can feel comfortable should you need to visit your dentist’s office for an emergency appointment.

Protocols Dental Offices Are Now Following

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA) recommend that all dentists postpone elective procedures and non-urgent dental visits until further notice. This means that dental office staff is only allowed to see patients who are experiencing emergencies. Although this change minimizes the number of people coming and going each day, staff must follow certain protocols to ensure the safety of everyone.

Some of the steps being taken on behalf of dental teams throughout the country include:

• Placing proper signage throughout the office explaining what to do if you are displaying symptoms, how to appropriately sneeze or cough whether into a tissue or the bend of the elbow, and how to effectively wash hands using soap and warm water.
• Pre-screening patients when they call to make an appointment to ensure they have not been sick or are not currently experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19.
• Wearing protective personal equipment (PPE) while caring for a patient. This includes gloves, a facial mask and/or shield, and a disposable gown.
• Using single-use instruments when possible. If they are unable, staff will follow manufacturing protocols to disinfect and sanitize for reuse.

When To Seek Emergency Dental Care

Knowing that your dental team is working hard to keep you safe is important and may give you greater peace of mind should you need to get in quickly for an emergency. But when is it a real emergency and when is it something you can treat at home?

Under normal circumstances a lost filling or crown, a painless chipped tooth, or even a minor toothache would warrant a visit to the dentist’s office; however, right now, only the most dire circumstances should require an immediate appointment.

A knocked-out tooth, extreme toothache caused by infection/abscess, or increased bleeding or swelling are all reasons to seek help from an emergency dentist during this time.

When calling to speak with a team member about your injury, they will be able to determine if you need to come in as soon as possible. If so, trust that you will be walking into a dental office that is staffed with individuals who care about your health and are going the extra mile to ensure your safety.

About the Author
Dr. Rina Singh maintains a clean and healthy environment for her staff and patients. Adhering to strict sanitation protocols, she and her team are going above and beyond to ensure everyone who visits feels comfortable and safe, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of the way this virus is transmitted, Dr. Singh is taking extra precautions to avoid possible infection, so if you or a loved one require emergency assistance during this time, contact us at (717) 937-8180 or visit our website.