If you’re worried about visiting your dentist in San Antonio for a checkup and cleaning, there’s no need to fret. Dental offices are some of the safest establishments right now because they’re meeting or exceeding the CDC’s safety guidelines to ensure that their patients and staff remain healthy. One of those precautionary measures is implementing more rigorous hand hygiene rules. Read on to learn more about your dentist’s office handwashing protocols.
Why is Thorough Handwashing Important?
Even before the emergence of COVID-19, handwashing has been a vital measure to reduce the spread of germs and prevent illness. Now, it’s an even more important practice is said to be one of the key preventive measures of contracting COVID-19 by the CDC. Because your dentist and dental staff will need to treat you while being close to your face, it’s important that they keep their hands as clean as possible at all times and prevent any transfer of germs or bacteria.
What is Your Dentist’s Handwashing Protocol?
In any healthcare facility, hand hygiene is the top priority. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in addition to wearing PPE, is to practice good handwashing techniques. This includes these steps:
- Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to help reduce the amount of germs.
- Being thorough and getting under the nails and both sides of the hands.
- Completely drying the hands with a paper towel after washing them has been shown to reduce the microorganisms and bacteria living on hands in moist places.
- Avoiding long or fake nails that can easily trap germs and bacteria.
- Frequently and regularly washing hands, including before patient contact, before putting on gloves, after removing gloves, each time the treatment room is left, and after any procedure has been conducted.
With these rules in place, your dentist and staff will be sure to have clean hands at all time while treating and interacting with you.
How Can Thorough Handwashing Keep You Safe?
COVID-19 is contracted when droplets, like saliva, are spread to the mucous membrane (eyes, nose, or mouth). Because your dentist and hygienist are working in this area when they’re cleaning your teeth, applying a filling, or doing any other type of dental treatment, having clean hands and wearing PPE is especially important. This will ensure that no germs or bacteria accidentally get spread to your mouth and the risk of droplet contraction is minimal.
If you’re concerned about visiting your dentist because you aren’t 100 percent sure about what new safety measures they have in place, don’t hesitate to contact their office. Because their top priority is staff and patient safety, you can rest-assured that taking care of your mouth won’t be risking your wellbeing.
About the Author
Dr. Racha Kadamani has nearly two decades of experience as a dentist. She is passionate about providing her patients with high-quality dental care that helps them optimize their oral health and preserve their natural smile. She is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in her field by taking continuing education courses every year. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Laith Family Dentistry’s website or call 210-782-6842.
