Dentistry During the COVID-19 Crisis: How Are Dentists Prioritizing Your Health?

Over the last few months, the way the world navigates daily life has changed drastically due to the threat of COVID-19. Now that businesses are beginning to reopen, you’re likely wondering how that will impact you. For your dentist in Memorial, conducting treatments again means adhering to strict dental safety protocols that prioritize the health of patients and staff. Read on to learn more about how your dentist is keeping patients safe while providing them with dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Threat of COVID-19 in the Dental Practice

Dental practices have always been sterile and safe, especially because countless illnesses, germs, and bacteria can easily be transferred while working in somebody’s mouth without the proper precautions in place. With the emergence of COVID-19, dental practices understand that there’s even more at stake now. That’s why dental offices are adhering to and exceeding safety guidelines from leading infection prevention specialists, such as the American Dental Association (ADA), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Vital Safety Measures Being Made With Patients’ Health in Mind

Your dentist in Memorial has implemented safety protocols that drastically reduce the spread of germs, bacteria, and illnesses with their practice. Some of the vital precautionary steps they’re taking while you receive the high-quality dental care you need include:

• Using Advanced Chairside Suction: Dental suction devices are incredibly important when it comes to preventing germs from being spread within the dental practice. As you get your teeth cleaned and polished, the fast-moving tools can turn your saliva into an aerosol that can spread throughout the office and be breathed in. Chairside suction devices eliminate this possibility and minimize the aerosol plume created while you receive treatment, ensuring a safe and sterile environment.
• Implementing Advanced Staff Training: Making sure that patients stay safe when they visit the practice for treatment starts with helping staff understand what role they play in stopping in the spread of COVID-19. Each dental staff member has undergone additional awareness and prevention training so they can continue safely treating patients.
• Wearing Complete PPE: The CDC recommends wearing a mask as a basic guideline to reduce the risk of droplet spread. Your dentist in Memorial will also be wearing a face mask, disposable gown, protective hat, and shoe coverings in order to eliminate the risk of spreading germs between patients.

These are only three of 28 safety measures being taken in order to ensure your safety while you visit your dentist. Although the experience may be slightly different due to the emergence of COVID-19, you can trust that you’ll still be receiving the same, high-quality dental care.

About the Author

Dr. Marlayne Newman is a bilingual dentist and native of Puerto Rico. She has been practicing dentistry for over a decade and is passionate about getting to know and understand each of her patients. She regularly attends advanced education courses, lectures, and hands-on workshops in order to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Mark Gray, DDS Cosmetic & Family Dentistry’s website or call 281-493-9395.