This pandemic requires special care and attention for people in general, and specific measures for health professionals. By taking care of ourselves, we protect our patients.
With this in mind, we are always monitoring the situation of COVID-19, in order to provide our patients safety in the oral care services they require during this time. As knowledge and best practices on the issue grow and are established, we would like to provide the following recommendations:
There is a detailed guide for dental providers, produced by the American Dental Association (ADA), we follow. It includes the instruction of following the same cleaning and disinfection protocols dental care providers use during the flu season, plus procedures to decrease the risks by using no-touch receptacles, organizing waiting rooms to help people keep social distance (even waiting outside or in the car) and extra care with patients with respiratory problems.
In case a doctor feels sick, there are temporary doctors available to take their place.
We also strongly recommend our patients to follow the coronavirus information coming from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as the contagion curve evolves.
Taking care of yourself and your loved ones
Staying home and practicing a strict hygiene is key. Washing hands must be very frequent. If you have to go out, prepare a solution of hypochlorite or alcohol for disinfecting your shoes, wash clothes immediately and take a shower with hot water and abundant soap. Coronavirus can last days on the ground and attach to your shoes, while possibly sick people can cough and spread the virus in the air. Coronavirus is especially difficult to detect, because a big number of people affected by it can have no symptoms.
In case you do not feel well, please stay at home. If respiration gets difficult and you have a continuous fever, please call emergency services, to be tested for coronavirus.
Oral hygiene is also key. Brush your teeth constantly, use dental floss and drink water often. Coronavirus is surrounded by a fat layer that is cut by soap and cleaning products, and can also get deactivated by the use of soap or mouthwash with alcohol.
In case you have a dental emergency and visit a dentist, please make sure hygiene and care measures are duly applied. If you find neglects on the issue, please call 888-282-9501.
