A Proactive Approach to Coronavirus in the Dental Setting

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to be a serious public health threat. The team at Pi Dental Center is taking a proactive approach regarding the Coronavirus. Please be assured that it is safe to visit the dental office. Read our blog about Coronavirus in the Dental Setting.

The Coronavirus as it relates to the dental center

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals and people, causing illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe illnesses, such as SARS and MERS. The 2019 novel coronavirus is one of seven members of this family known to infect humans, and the third in the past three decades to jump from animals to humans. COVID-19 has a two- to 14-day incubation period.

Pi Dental Center maintains a rigorous sterilization routine throughout the office. Pi Dental Center’s sterilization protocol has been a main objective of paramount importance since we opened our doors over 33 years ago. Dentists adhere to strict rules on barriers and personal protection. Wearing gloves, masks, and eye protection not only protects the dentist, but the patient as well. Each treatment room is thoroughly disinfected between patients. Gloves and masks are worn during all patient treatment. The office is cleaned and sterilized frequently. As our patient, your health and safety is our highest concern. Our protocols are regularly reviewed and re-evaluated to ensure superior effectiveness. All sterilization products used in our office are professional grade OSHA compliant for medical use. All instruments are autoclaved according to professionally specified recommendations.

The CDC and other medical associations provide practical guidelines on how to avoid the virus. Please review the steps outlined below.

1 – Understanding your personal risk

Early data seems to indicate that the vast majority of coronavirus infections have mild symptoms. Patients who experience more difficult situations tend to be the same populations who are susceptible to bad reactions from the flu, i.e. older adults and people who have chronic health conditions.

2 – Hand washing

The number one task that everyone can do to diminish the spread of the virus is thorough and frequent hand-washing. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

3 – Refrain from touching your face or putting your fingers into your mouth or eyes

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Research has shown that common ways for the virus to enter the body include coughing, sneezing, and droplet inhalation and contact with oral, nasal, and eye mucous membranes.

Please wash your hands before touching your dentures or night guards.

4 – Maintain your overall health and lifestyle

Maintain both your medical and dental health. Taking care of your dental health is a critical element in maintaining good overall health, and strengthening your immune system. If your body is working overtime fighting dental infections, it will have a much harder time combatting an illness like the coronavirus.

Seek medical treatment if you get sick, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition or a weakened immune system.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

5 – Your surroundings

Disinfect surfaces and frequently-touched furniture objects, and equipment using a household cleaning spray or wipe. Sanitize your cell phone and electronic devices.

6 – Let us know if you are feeling sick before visiting our office or if you or any family members have recently travelled to at-risk areas or foreign countries

Cold and flu season is still in full bloom, and the symptoms for these conditions can mimic those of the Coronavirus. If you have symptoms of suspected COVID-19 such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please reschedule your appointment.

Please let us know if you or any family member travelled to any at-risk areas or outside of the country within the last two weeks.

Please use sneeze and cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. Use a disposable tissue to cover your mouth or nose. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Wash or sanitize your hands after sneezing or coughing. Carry your own hand-sanitizer with you.

Recommendations for COVID-19 could change as more information becomes available. New information is coming out all the time. Pi Dental Center will inform patients, should policy changes occur.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Glenn Wolfinger

Dr. Robert Slauch

And the Staff at Pi Dental Center

Links – More information about COVID-19:

https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/

The Centers for Disease Control provides updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides information on the virus and safety precautions.
The State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.

https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-a-coronavirus/

Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Webpage

Transmission routes: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41368-020-0075-9#ref-CR43