As the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has begun to slow, many dentists are beginning to open up and accept new patients. At Poulos, Somers & Marshall, we’re open and seeing patients for routine care. But you may be wondering if it’s safe to see us for the dental care you need in Denver. So in this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the precautions we’re taking to help protect your safety and the safety of our team members during this unprecedented time. 

Social Distancing At Our Office

We have implemented social distancing precautions, including reconfiguring our waiting area to provide at least 6 feet of distance between each person. We have also removed frequently-touched items like pamphlets and magazines from our waiting area.

In addition, we request that you come alone to your appointment if possible, to reduce the number of people in our office at any given time. We are also taking steps to space out patient appointments to allow for proper social distancing at our office.

Frequent Disinfection Of Common Surfaces

Our team members will be regularly cleaning common surfaces like countertops, tables, chairs, doorknobs, and bathrooms with medical-grade, EPA-registered disinfectant to remove bacteria and viruses. By eliminating microbes from these surfaces, we can provide patients and staff with a safer environment. 

Enhanced Operatory Sterilization Procedures

We have always followed ADA, CDC, and OSHA regulations for the cleaning and sterilization of operatories, including wiping down all hard surfaces, using plastic barriers for hard-to-clean surfaces, and properly disposing of or sterilizing all dental equipment after use. 

However, we are now taking additional steps to clean our operatories and ensure that they are safe for our patients and staff. With comprehensive wipedowns and sterilization between each patient, the risk of cross-contamination can be reduced dramatically.

Proper Use & Disposal Of PPE

Our team members are wearing PPE including N95 masks, face shields, gloves, gowns, and head/shoe coverings when appropriate. This reduces the risk of spreading any virus such as COVID-19 coronavirus, and keeps our staff members safe.

We are also taking steps to minimize PPE cross-contamination. Used disposable PPE is left in the operatory where it was used for disposal, and reusable PPE is also left in the operatory until it can be properly sterilized and reprocessed for further use. 

Hand Hygiene, Respiratory & Cough Etiquette 

We are following all CDC, OSHA, and ADA-recommended hand hygiene precautions, including washing hands before and after putting on gloves, before and after treating patients, and after touching any potentially contaminated surface or equipment. 

In addition, our team members are practicing proper respiratory and cough etiquette including coughing or sneezing into the elbow rather than the hand, washing hands after exposure to respiratory secretions, and the proper use and disposal of tissues.

Poulos, Somers & Marshall Can Provide You With The Dental Care You Need In Denver 

You can rest assured that our doctors are taking every possible precaution to keep you safe in Denver during your appointment at Poulos, Somers & Marshall. If you have any other questions about how we’re protecting you from COVID-19 coronavirus, or you’d like to schedule a consultation, please call now at (303) 832-4867, or feel free to contact us online.