Covid-19 has had a huge impact on all our lives, and we have all found ourselves adapting to the ‘new normal’.
As a Dental Practice, Infection Prevention and Control has always been at the forefront of our protocols and procedures, but now more than ever we have had to introduce additional measures to keep our team and patients safe.
From enhanced PPE, to the introduction of a locked door system, we want to assure all our patients that we have safety at the highest priority during this difficult time and beyond.
So what changes have we made?
- A locked door system – patients are encouraged to ring the bell on arrival and a team member will welcome you into the practice.
- Only the patient (unless with a parent or care giver) are allowed into the practice at any time, and for appointments only.
- Patients are advised to arrive no more than 5 minutes befo re their appointment time.
- Sanitising stations are available at all entrance and exit points
- Our respiratory policy encourages all patients to cough or sneeze into the tissues provided. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it.
- All patients must wear a face covering during their time in the practice, until seated in the dental chair, and replaced thereafter.
- We are no longer accepting cash payments.
- All card payments are completed contactless where possible.
- The toilet facilities are out of use for patients at this time.
- Patients are encouraged to complete paperwork online, or bring their own pen where this is not possible.
- There is a clearly defined system for movement around the practice and all patients are accompanied by a member of the dental team.
- Waiting room seating is kept at 2 metres apart to comply with social distancing.
- All waiting room chairs are cleaned after each patient use.
- The whole dental team must wear Level 2 PPE at all times.
- The clinical team must wear Level 3 PPE during all Aerosol Generating Procedures.
- The clinical area is closed after any Aerosol Generating Procedure to allow for ‘fallow time’ prior to deep cleaning.
- Universal precautions are always maintained in regards to Infection Control and Prevention.
- The communal areas are regularly cleaned between patients such as stair-rails, door handles and switches.
- The practice follows written Standard Operating Procedures set out by the Practice Owners which follow guidance from our Industry leaders.
