Essential Hygiene Practices Dentists Perform During COVID-19

Any time you visit an emergency dentist in Edison for care, you can expect them to perform frequent handwashing and disinfecting throughout the day as well as wearing and removing protective gloves prior to treating patients. However, there are actually many steps that you might not have been aware of previously that dentists take to ensure clean hands. This is especially true in the age of COVID-19, where it is crucial to reduce disease transmission however possible.

When is Handwashing Performed?

Dentists will always make sure to wash their hands:

• Before touching a patient
• Before wearing gloves
• After touching a patient
• After handling specimens or bodily fluids
• After wearing gloves

Handwashing Protocol

To clean soiled hands and remove germs, dentists wash their hands for at least 20 seconds at a time using soap and warm water. While doing so, they make sure never to rush nor skip out on the deep crevices underneath the fingernails or between the knuckles. Keep in mind that this is all performed despite the fact that they will be wearing gloves while performing your exam, cleaning your teeth and gums, or completing another treatment.

Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

Throughout the office, you may notice medical-grade hand sanitization stations both for patient and doctor use. These hand rubs contain at least 60 percent alcohol and are typically used throughout the day to reduce the spread of germs. Keep in mind that alcohol-based hand rubs are never meant to replace handwashing because it cannot clean soiled hands entirely on their own.

Drying Hands Before Using Gloves

If there is one area that bacteria love to grow and multiply in, it’s tight-knit spaces containing moisture. This is why it’s so important for dentists to dry their hands off thoroughly before wearing or replacing gloves. This is also why dentists will make sure to wash their hands immediately after wearing gloves, especially before seeing a patient or touching any surfaces or instruments within the operatory.

Reducing Risk of Disease Transmission Via Hands

Germs can easily transfer to other objects without you even realizing it, which is why dentists, hygienists, assistants, and administrative workers are required to remove all jewelry and watches when inside the office. If any team member has fake nails or fingernails longer than one-quarter of an inch, they must be trimmed. Dirt and bacteria can easily get caught underneath fingernails and within the cracks and crevices of watches and jewelry.

These steps combined work to create the perfect set of personal hygiene protocols. With them in mind, you can relax knowing that the dentist is taking all the necessary precautions to protect you from viruses like COVID-19.

About the Author

Dr. Hiren H. Shah is more than prepared to help patients achieve positive oral health in a safe and sanitized office environment. Him and his team work hard to not only practice vigilant personal hygiene throughout the day, but sanitize the office from top to bottom after the last patient leaves. To learn more about their safety protocols or schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.