Office Update

As shelter in place regulations begin to lift across the country and we re-enter a post-COVID-19 world, our patients’ and staff members’ health and safety continue to be top of mind. 

We’d also like to be transparent about sanitation standards in the healthcare space in order to ease any concerns you may have about seeing your doctor. Our practice has always adhered to infection prevention protocols set by OSHA,  ADA, and the CDC. These standards include:

Regular hand washing: 

• Before and after treating every patient 
• Before putting on gloves and immediately after removing them 
• After touching any potentially contaminated surfaces or equipment
• Using soap and water for visibly soiled hands instead of alcohol-based hand sanitizer  

Use of personal protective equipment: 

• Wearing gloves, KN95 mask with a level 2 mask on top and face shield or goggles while treating patients 
• Changing  gloves several times throughout the appointment on every patient 
• Removing personal protective equipment before leaving the work area 

Using proper respiratory and cough etiquette: 

• Covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing 
• Coughing or sneezing into the elbow
• Using and disposing of tissues 
• Sanitizing hands after exposure to respiratory secretions 

Use of sterile instruments and devices: 

• Sterilizing reusable dental equipment 
• Keeping manufacturer’s reprocessing instructions readily available for trained team members 
• Wearing appropriate PPE when handling and reprocessing equipment 
• Using monitors to ensure effectiveness of sterilization 
• Maintaining sterilization records in accordance with state and local regulations 

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces throughout the operatories and office:

• Establishing policies and procedures for routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces before and after every patient
• Using sneeze guards at the front 
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are not barrier-protected
• Using EPA-registered disinfectants or detergents that are suitable for health care settings 

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In addition to adhering to these standards, we will also take measures to ensure social distancing regulations can be respected in our practice so that all patients feel comfortable receiving care. 
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If you have any questions about our sanitation processes, please feel free to contact our office for more information. 
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We’re so happy to be open again and can’t wait to see you. 
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Best, 

Pinnacle Family Dental team