6 Steps to Take to Reopen Your Practice Safely Amid COVID-19

September 15, 2020

Though the majority of dental practices reopened months ago, COVID-19 cases are undergoing a resurgence across the country. This means dentists must be even more diligent than before to keep practices open and safe. The process of reopening a practice can be overwhelming, but here’s a place to begin. Follow these 6 steps for a safe return amid COVID-19, based upon advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1) Patient Communication: Many patients may be unfamiliar with new (Personal Protective Equipment) PPE and in-office guidelines. Be sure to share this information with them before the appointment. Technology and social media make communication simple – post or email a video tour walking through the office and operatories, so there are no surprises upon arrival.

2) Establish an Emergency Response: Before a patient steps foot into an operatory, prepare a response plan in the event a patient or team member contracts COVID-19. Refer to both CDC and state guidelines when putting together a response

3) Temperature Checks and Pre-Screening: Deliver a brief screening survey, either via phone or email, to a patient one day prior to their scheduled appointments. The screening should ask if the patient has experienced any symptoms of COVID-19 within the past 14 days.

4) Remove Non-Essential Items: Dispose of any high-touch items in the office, such as magazines, flyers, brochures. Replace with hand sanitizer.

5) Steady Supply of PPE: Find a trusted source of safe, authentic PPE to keep both patients and team members safe while in the office.

6) Mindfulness: The healthcare profession requires mental and physical stamina. Add the stressor of COVID-19, and dental teams are feeling the strain. The CDC recommends that healthcare personnel practice mindfulness techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation, to avoid feeling overwhelmed in the workplace or day’s end.

Remember that as a healthcare professional, you serve as a trusted resource for your patients. Take all necessary precautions to protect patients and your office team after reopening. Refer to sources such as the Benco Learning Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Dental Association, as well as local and state governments for accurate, up-to-date information on protocols.

MORE FROM BENCO DENTAL U

Article
3 N95 Masks Alternatives for Dental Professionals Braving the Pandemic
COVID-19

The proximity between a dentist and a patient during a dental procedure warrants protection against viral droplets for both individuals. The situation is more c[...]

Article
So Many Masks… What’s the Difference?
COVID-19

While the coronavirus pandemic rages on, choosing the proper mask can feel like an overwhelming decision. Face masks, often referred to as surgical masks or pro[...]

Article
Know How to Protect Your Practice from Aerosol and Splatter
COVID-19

In the early years, dentists didn't worry much about contamination in their practice, other than blood and saliva. The dental staff just needed a mask, a pair o[...]

Article
Are there fast-to-implement tech tools that provide teledentistry and COVID-19 screening at dental practice?
COVID-19

In the changing environment of dentistry amid COVID-19, dental practices continue to seek options to respond more effectively to their patients. Vital among tho[...]

Article
How Can Dentists Stay Efficient and Respect the One-Patient Policy to Reduce COVID-19 Risk?
COVID-19

At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a note regarding worker exposure. OSHA had listed[...]

Article
Ready for a breather? Consider a Powered Air Purifying Respirator
COVID-19

At a time when N95s are difficult to obtain, and facial hair is tough to part with, a safe and permanent solution for medical practitioners exists. The Power[...]

Get the latest and greatest dentistry content delivered straight to your inbox

LoadingLOADING FORM...