You’ve been doing everything that you can to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ve quarantined as much as possible, made sure to practice social distancing, and have worn a mask when you’ve gone out in public. Even if you’re limiting your contact with others, unfortunate dental circumstances can still arise. Regardless of the reason, there’s no reason to avoid booking an appointment with your emergency dentist in Fort Smith. Dental practices are going to great lengths to make sure that they can give you the treatment you need while keeping you as safe as possible. One of these safety precautions is the inclusion of face shields into their practice.
How Your Dentist Uses PPE
PPE, or personal protective equipment, has always been an integral component of proper dental care. Dental practices are held to strict safety and sanitation guidelines by organizations like OSHA and the CDC. Pandemic or not, dental offices are some of the cleanest, safest places you can visit. In addition to sterilizing and disinfecting all rooms, surfaces, and dental tools, dental professionals use PPE to serve as barriers between themselves and their patients, eliminating the risk of spreading disease through breath or touch. Proper hand hygiene techniques, N95 masks, and disposable gloves are all essential tools in your dentist’s safety arsenal.
What Do Face Shields Do?
Face shields are used in conjunction with other PPE to create an even safer environment for both the dentist and the patient. They are used in addition to N95 masks and serve as an additional barrier to help lessen the risk of either of you being exposed to potentially harmful airborne particles. When face shields are used alongside your dentist’s suction system, the likelihood of infection through particles in the air is drastically minimized.
Your dentist is working hard to keep you as safe as possible. Through a combination of PPE, sanitation standards, and changes to the flow of appointments, you can rest assured that the dental office is one of the safest places you can be. The next time you have to schedule a dental appointment, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and get the dynamic care you need in a completely sterile environment.
About the Author
Dr. Gilberto López works hard to give his patients optimal oral health. He considers it his personal mission to create beautiful smiles and to change lives through his dentistry. Since graduating from dental school at the University of Guadalajara, he has spent decades continuing his education and treating his patients with the most modern dental techniques available. Dr. López and his team at New Smile Dental are committed to providing completely safe appointments during the pandemic. To learn more about the protocols that they have in place, give the office a call at (479) 235-5271 or send them an email. They will be happy to help you.