At Greenway Dental, our providers are passionate about helping patients maintain a healthy smile. At this time, we are also concerned with our patient’s physical health, which is why we are following guidelines, using PPE, and taking precautions to keep everyone in our office safe. You can call our Fayetteville, AR dentist office at (479) 217-3178 or schedule an appointment online.
Following Guidelines
The CDC and ADA have provided guidelines for medical and dental professionals who are seeing patients at this time. These agencies are updating infection control guidelines for the dental industry. It’s necessary for them to keep on top of things as sterilization techniques update and change. We are following their tools and checklists to ensure that we are adhering to the guidelines for sterilization and infection control.
Personal Protection Equipment
PPE is a measure that is used to protect both patients and staff. Our dentists wear gloves that are changed between patients. Sometimes gloves are changed multiple times with the same patient, depending on the dental services being performed. When gloves come into contact with other surfaces, like the counter or computer, they will be disposed of. Proper handwashing techniques are followed both before and after putting on gloves. Eye protection including goggles or glasses is normally required for our staff. We are stepping up this level of protection by providing face masks to every member of our staff. Masks act as full-face shields from germs and help prevent infection.
Sterilizing Our Office
Our dentists sterilize dental tools and instruments that are reused between patients. Metal tools used for surgery or gum disease treatment are heated to sterilize them. Some instruments that we use are disposable and are used only once for each patient. Dental chairs, office chairs, the reception desk, and other surfaces that come in contact with the skin are disinfected to kill germs and infection.