The Covid-19 pandemic has globally changed the face of dentistry. While patients may be hesitant about attending routine dental visits, it is important to recognize that dental offices have been adhering to strict sterilization techniques and safety guidelines for decades. Fortunately, there is little evidence showing the transmission of Covid-19 from dental practices. Instead, Ivory Pointe Dentistry has taken all the precautions set by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure dental safety for patients in Vista.
To further reassure our patients, here are some important tips detailed below to get dental work done safely and comfortably.
Complete your Covid-19 screening
Prior to your dental visit, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire. A Covid-19 screening will determine if you need to reschedule your appointment if you have travelled out of state, had any recent exposures or recent illness. The office will take temperatures with touchless infrared thermometers at check-in. We ask that if you have any symptoms of cough, respiratory distress, or a fever, that you reschedule your appointment. Your screening will help ensure the safety of all patients and staff.
Increased disinfection techniques
You will notice that there are hand sanitizers available throughout the office. Individual examination rooms are disinfected after every patient treatment, including all surfaces, instrumentation, door handles, and equipment. As always, all instruments are fully sterilized before being used for patients. Ivory Pointe Dentistry is working hard using special aerosol reducing equipment to keep the practice safe at all times.
Practice proper Covid-19 hygiene and etiquette
Our office requires all patients and staff to be wearing masks during dental visits, except for when dental work is being performed. This will limit any unnecessary aerosols and protect all people in the office. You will notice that staff will be wearing enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep you and others safe. This may include special masks, face shields, protective gowns, head coverings, and eye wear.
Abide by social distancing guidelines
To limit patient encounters, we ask that only patients attend dental visits and no one may accompany the patient inside the Vista clinic except for instances where the patient requires assistance (pediatric patients, people with special needs, elderly patients). Social distancing is necessary to help limit the amount of people in the office at one time to decrease any exposures. We have also installed plexi-glass barriers to help keep our patients and dental team safe and limit tight space encounters.
Other changes you may notice to keep patients safe is having patients wait in the car until their dental suite is ready. Call the office when you arrive and they will let you know if it is an appropriate time to come into the office.
Use teledentistry
Teledentistry is a popular and upcoming advanced technology in the medical and dental fields. During the Covid-19 pandemic, teledentistry has become necessary to limit the amount of people in the office and help triage simple dental problems that can be managed at home. If you have an issue that may be able to be resolved at home, call our office to schedule a teledentistry visit.
Use touchless payment options
Now more than ever is a good time to avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces and op for touchless options like soap dispensers and mobile payment options. If that is not an option, use credit cards, cash, or checks, and then use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. When you get home, wash your hands well with soap and water.
Attend routine visits as needed
Your safety is our utmost concern during the pandemic, however, your oral health is a vital part of your overall well-being. Neglecting dental visits can have long term consequences. We encourage all patients to attend routine dental visits and schedule any treatment that is recommended to avoid dental pain, infections, and more costly work that can arise if left untreated. If you abide by all safety guidelines, you will comfortably be able to get your dental work completed.
