Your CCFD Dentist Coronavirus Guide

Dentist Coronavirus

Many people are still wondering … is it safe to go to the dentist? Are dentists and hygienists required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are employee temperature checks taken? What cleaning, infection control policies do dentists have in place for dental visits?

At CCFD, we welcome these questions and more. Nothing—absolutely nothing, is more important than the health and safety of our patients and staff. In an effort to help you prepare for your next dental visit, we’ve provided an easy-to-follow dentist coronavirus guide, answering some of the most common queries regarding current safety-dental-care practices.

One of the best ways we can share the protective measures we’re taking at CCFD is to circle back to the questions posed earlier. As always, our goal is to maintain the highest standards of safety and comfort for our patients. Part of keeping you safe is keeping you informed. So, without further ado, let’s answer your most frequently asked questions:

• Is it safe to go to the dentist?

  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Dental settings should balance the need to provide necessary services while minimizing risk to patients and dental healthcare personnel (DHCP).”
  
  At CCFD, we are following the guidelines of the CDC and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure your safety and protection—and ours!

• Are dentists and hygienists required to wear PPE?

  Yes! Here at CCFD, all our dentists and hygienists routinely wear PPE, and you may notice that since the pandemic, we may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (such as surgical masks with face shields).

• Are Team Members’ temperature checks taken?

  Yes, every day. All staff are monitored for health with daily temperature and symptom checks. If anyone is feeling not quite up to par, they will return home and monitor symptoms. If their symptoms become consistent with the current coronavirus or influenza, they will consult with their physician on the next course of action.

• What cleaning, infection control policies do dentists have in place for dental visits?

  All surfaces in the appointment rooms, reception area, front desk, check-out area, and restrooms are routinely cleaned and disinfected for your protection. And of course, as part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we sanitize all dental tools and equipment.

• How has the pandemic affected CCFD’s hours of operation?

  Our hours remain the same as they were before the pandemic. On June 3rd, the Pennsylvania Department of Health revised the guidelines for dental offices across the state. We are now able to perform routine cleanings and exams as well as elective dental care, such as fillings, crowns, and other necessary work. We also remain available to treat dental emergencies.
  
  With that said, we have modified our schedule in an effort to space out patient arrival times to minimize overlapping and maintain physical distancing in the office. We ask for your patience while we review each appointment on a case-by-case basis.

• What other safety measures is CCFD taking?

  Each treatment room, as well as our reception area, has a dedicated six-stage filtration system that changes the air in the room once every two minutes. This air is then re-circulated through a HEPA filter that removes 99.995% of all aerosol particles to a level of 0.1 microns. This includes bacteria and viruses that are comparable in size to coronaviruses like COVID-19.
  
  We also have plenty of hand sanitizer for patient use, plexiglass shields at our front desk, and we strive to provide hands-free paperwork with electronic communication options when possible.

  1. Notify us by phone prior to your appointment if you are not feeling well! We typically call you prior to your visit to ask you a series of health-related questions
  2. Remain in your vehicle upon arrival to your appointment
  3. Call us at 610-431-0623 to let us know you have arrived
  4. Wear a mask when entering and leaving the office (we will tell you when it can be removed)
  5. Prepare for your temperature to be taken
  6. Expect to be asked to brush your teeth and use two rounds of 30-second antiseptic rinses
  7. Have any companions remain in your vehicle during your appointment (young children may be accompanied by an adult)

• As a patient, are there any safety measures I will be required to take?

  Yes! There are a number of precautionary steps we ask our patients to follow:

More changes will still be needed as we move through the Yellow Phase and into Green. We will stay on these developments and modify our policies, procedures, and schedules as needed. As always, we remain grateful for your patience and understanding as we navigate this transitional time together.

If you have a question that is not reflected above, please do feel free to reach out to us at any time.

Schedule an appointment now. Or, call one of our friendly, professional CCFD team members today.