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While dental offices are some of the cleanest places you can visit right now, they are also ideal environments for bacteria, viruses, and chemicals to transfer between you and your dentist. With COVID-19 remaining a threat to individuals throughout the world, minimizing the possible spread of viral and bacterial pathogens is crucial. So how is it done? One of the most common ways is with personal protective equipment (PPE) worn by dental teams. Take a few minutes to learn more about which of these items keep you and your dentist better protected.

Protecting Hands with Latex Gloves

Apart from requiring staff to keep fingernails short to keep dirt from accumulating underneath the nail beds, dental teams are diligently wearing latex gloves. While these have been and will continue to be a vital component to a dentist’s attire when it comes to treating patients, these pieces of protective equipment help to prevent the transference of germs between you and them.

Creating a Barrier for the Face with Masks and Shields

Many of the procedures performed in a dentist’s office require the use of dental instruments that generate aerosols. These tiny particles that disperse into the air after leaving your mouth can easily enter through your dentist’s nose, mouth, ears, and eyes. If any should splash or spray upward during a procedure, your dentist needs protection, which is why a face mask and shield are now worn. Not only does the mask help to filter these harmful pathogens, but the shield serves as an additional barrier against anything that could lead to contamination and/or infection.

Safeguarding Clothes with Disposable Gowns

Bacteria and viruses can remain on clothing for much longer than it was originally thought possible. To avoid accidentally going on and coming into contact with family members while wearing scrubs or other work attire, staff members are now encouraged to change into and out of their clothes while at work. But to add another layer of protection against harmful bacteria, disposable gowns are being worn. This not only captures anything that could live on scrubs for an extended period, but it also lessens the chances of anything potentially harmful or dangerous leaving with the dentist or team member and being spread to someone else.

Keeping Eyes Sharp with Protective Eyewear

Your dentist needs to be able to effectively see what is going on in your mouth when performing a particular treatment, which is why you will find them wearing protective eyewear. These clear glasses serve the same purpose as a face shield, keeping any pathogens from entering the eyes and causing an infection.

Now that you are more familiar with which PPE is keeping your dentist better protected while at work, don’t be afraid to contact a member of your dental team to find out if there’s anything you can do to minimize bacteria and germs before you arrive. The proactive steps you take beforehand will serve to benefit everyone around you.

About the Author
Mindful of the bacteria and viruses that can infiltrate a dental office, Dr. Rina Singh is taking great care to make sure that she and the members of her team are all wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Although appearing less welcoming from behind a mask, gloves, glasses, face shield, and disposable gown, these measures will help to keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the day. To find out more about the steps she is taking to maintain a clean environment, contact us at (717) 937-8180, or visit our website.