How Your Dentist is Approaching Hygiene Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 has caused people from all around the world to re-think proper handwashing. Fortunately, for dental professionals, this practice has been and continues to be one of the most important and necessary aspects of keeping patients safe. With the virus continuing to pose a threat, you may be wondering what steps your dental team is taking to improve hand hygiene and minimize the spread of COVID-19. Read on to learn how they’re refining cleanliness efforts to ensure you and others are better protected.

Why There’s a Focus on Hygiene

When asking someone what you should do to avoid getting sick, their answer might sound something like this, “Drink plenty of water, wash your hands, and maintain good personal hygiene.” The commitment to minimizing germs and bacteria on your body can go a long way in keeping you healthy. This is why so many dentists continually practice proper handwashing throughout the day.

With organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly emphasizing the importance of keeping hands clean during this time, dentists and their teams are refining their own hygiene standards to ensure your health and safety.

Because touch is one of the many ways harmful germs and bacteria can be easily transferred from person-to-person, dental professionals are implementing contactless greetings, social distancing, and even virtual waiting rooms to minimize contact between individuals. But that’s not all.

When it comes to proper hygiene, you may not notice all the changes, but you can rest assured your dentist and team members are taking a more aggressive approach. Some of the ways they’re staying clean include:

• Keeping fingernails trimmed and short. This not only protects against dirt accumulations underneath the nail bed, but it also decreases the risk of defects occurring while wearing gloves.
• Keeping hair pulled back and away from the face, as this practice works to minimize the chances of bacteria being transmitted to a patient or colleague at any time.
• Continuing to maintain optimal oral hygiene standards at home. This not only decreases bad bacteria in the mouth and lessens the likelihood of developing decay or gum disease, but it also keeps immune systems strong and healthy.
• Practicing proper handwashing before and after putting on gloves, after treating a patient, and after touching or coming into contact with any surface that may be contaminated.

When visiting your dentist’s office for your next appointment, you can feel confident knowing your dental team has your health and safety in mind. By placing a strong emphasis on personal hygiene, they are committed to minimizing the potential spread and providing a cleaner environment for everyone.

About the Practice
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld completed his doctorate at Columbia University Dental School in 1984 before completing a General Practice Residency at Sea View Hospital on Staten Island. Dr. Rosenfeld and his team at East Islip Dental Care are taking every precaution to better protect both patients and staff. From increased sanitation efforts to proper handwashing to wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, you can trust that your dental team is following all the necessary safety protocols to ensure a healthier environment for all. If you would like to know more about what we’re doing to minimize the potential spread of COVID-19, visit our website or call (631) 581-8600.