The coronavirus has caused many dental practices to limit their services to only emergency cases. If you find yourself facing a dental emergency, it’s natural to feel worried about catching the virus while you receive care. However, you don’t need feel alarmed when stepping into a dentist’s office. Even prior to the pandemic, many dentists were adhering to stringent sterilization and cleaning procedures to minimize their patients’ exposure to germs. As practices slowly reopen, your dentist in Lincoln will add even more safety precautions. Read on to find out what steps are being taken to keep you safe while you receive treatment.
Why You Should Visit A Dentist For Emergency Dental Care
If you’re faced with a dental emergency during these times, it’s a good idea to consider visiting your dentist before going to an emergency room. Your dentist will be able to provide a safer treatment environment for multiple reasons, such as:
- Fewer patients waiting for treatment
- Advanced technology and specialized knowledge
- Lower costs
Current Safety Procedures
The health and safety of patients is always a top priority at a dentist’s office. Prior to the pandemic, many were using safety protocols recommended by the CDC. These included:
- Sterilization of dental instruments
- Handwashing with soap before, during, and after treatment
- Daily disinfection of operatories and common areas
- Safe injection practices
- Wearing personal protective equipment during treatment
- Offering masks to patients that were coughing or sneezing
New Safety Procedures
With the spread of COVID-19, dental practices have decided to implement additional safety measures to further protect their patients. In addition to the previous protocols, many dentists are now including:
- Daily health and temperature checks for team members
- Allowing patients to wait for treatment in their cars
- Removing reading materials from the waiting area
- Installing clear barriers to stop the movement of viral particles
- Sanitizing patients’ hands prior to treatment
- Maintaining proper distance between staff and patients
- Allowing staff to wear masks at all times
- Installing air purifiers in treatment rooms
- Utilizing disposable hats, coats, and shoe covers
How You Can Prepare For Your Visit
Keeping people safe requires both the dentist and the patient to follow good prevention guidelines. If you find that you need to have emergency dental care, you can do your part by:
- Staying in your car until your appointment time
- Wearing a mask or cloth covering over your mouth and nose
- Keeping at least six feet away from the front desk staff
- Avoiding hugs and handshakes
With these procedures, your dentist in Lincoln will be able to provide you with the high-quality care you’ve come to expect while minimizing your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
About the Author
Dr. Louis Olberding graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1994 with a BS in biology. He then completed dental school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1999. He is a member of the American Dental Association and attended The Spear Institute for advanced continuing education. He and his team have been working to develop and implement new safety procedures at their practice prior to reopening fully. If you’d like to learn more about how he can help you improve your dental health, you can reach him at his practice website or at 402-488-2325.