Dental Office Safety – What Has Changed in 2020

Dr. Macdonald and her staff are working hard to bring in new technology and develop protocols to maintain a safe working environment for our patients and our team. Your safety and oral health are our top priority. 

HEPA Filters

We have medical grade HP 13 filters throughout the office and in each operatory. Medical Grade H13 Filters (higher rated than True HEPA) have 99.97% particle removal to clean the room air quickly. It can filter large particles from 10 microns such as dust, mold and bacteria up 0.1-micron size virus carriers and carbon dust.

HVAC Air Purification

We have installed REME HALO® in-duct air purifiers into our HVAC systems. It effectively reduced indoor air pollutants such as particulates, microbes and gases.  The reflective electro magnetic energy reduces common allergy triggers from particulates such as pollen, mold spores, dander and dust. It has been thoroughly tested on airborne and surface bacteria & viruses, such as MRSA, e-coli, and Norwalk, to name a few. The REME HALO® in-duct HVAC unit features higher ionized hydroperoxide output, which gives faster kill rates for microbial contaminants in the air as well as on surfaces. 

Isolite 

The Isolite intraoral system provides continuous saliva evacuation, tongue retraction and acts as a bite block all in one. It is comfortable for the patient as its engineered from soft, flexible, latex-free polymer which is flexible. The Isolite is convenient for because it provides dual-channel suction along which will reduce the production of aerosols while we work to fix your smile. 

Rubber Dam

Rubber Dam is always used in our practice during fillings and crowns. It keeps the patient safe by not allowing objects and bacteria to enter the mouth. It keeps the dental providers safe by only having the tooth worked on showing therefore reducing the saliva and aerosols produced. 

PPE

You will notice we will look a bit different. Staff will be wearing scrub caps, safety glasses, face shields, and N95 masks. Our scrub jackets/gowns will be changed after each aerosolized procedure and we will have shoes that we will only wear in the office. 

Cleaning and Disinfecting

We have always had strict protocols on how clean, sterilize and disinfect above and beyond CDC Guidelines. We have increased the amount of plastic barriers that we use and ensure all of our spaces are sparkling. We had to remove magazines, toys, and patient giveaways at this time.  Our bathrooms are also staff only at this time. 

Longer Appointments

We will extend the length of our appointments so that we have more time to clean the rooms between patients. You may notice that your appointment may be shifted up or down to make this possible. We are also keeping siblings with the same provider to limit exposure for our patients and staff. We have also decreased the volume of patients we see in a day during this time.