You may have noticed a few changes as you’ve started returning back to certain offices and businesses. The stack of magazines and the toys for kids have been packed away. These items used to help prevent boredom while you waited for your appointments, but now what? Even though it isn’t customary to see empty tables, your dentist in Portland can tell you about the reasons these items have been taken away and how it may prevent you from getting sick.
Why Are There No Longer Magazines and Toys in Waiting Rooms?
The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is usually spread from person to person. This means that when an infected person coughs or sneezes, they can easily transmit virus-containing droplets into the air, which can then be breathed in by another person. However, this is not the only way that the virus can spread. It is also possible to catch it by touching a contaminated surface or object and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
In order to prevent spreading COVID-19 through objects and surfaces, your dentist may have decided to remove objects, like magazines and toys, that are frequently touched. This limits ways that you can contract or spread the virus while in the office.
How Long Does COVID-19 Live on Surfaces?
Depending on the type of surface, the coronavirus can survive for a while after it makes contact. Here is how long the virus can live on certain surfaces:
- Plastic: 3-7 days
- Stainless steel: 3-7 days
- Copper: Up to 4 hours
- Cardboard: 24 hours
- Glass: Up to 4 days
- Paper: Up to 4 days
- Wood: Up to 2 days
How Are Dental Practices Protecting Their Patients?
Before the COVID-19 outbreak, Dental offices already took a lot of measures to provide a clean, safe environment for their patients. Here are a few ways they are continuing to do that:
Daily Team Health Checks
Every day, when the team arrives to the office, they have their temperature taken using a touch-free thermometer. They will also be asked a quick set of questions to ensure that they are ready and able to provide safe dental care.
Personal Hygiene Standards
Dental staff have always followed strict hygiene standards. Now, they are washing their hands even more frequently. Hand sanitizer will also be available to patients in reception areas.
Cleaning Between Patients
Just as before, surfaces that patients come into contact with will be wiped down and disinfected when they leave so everything is clean for the next patient.
Instrument Sterilization
As always, dental instruments will be sterilized between patients. This eliminates the possibility of bacteria or viruses being transmitted from dental tools.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, sometimes it’s the small changes we make that impact the most. By frequently disinfecting surfaces and avoiding objects that commonly come into contact with other people, you can prevent the virus from spreading. If you have any questions or concerns about disinfectants in the dental office, your dentist would be happy to talk with you.
About the Author
At RiverPlace Dental, Dr. Megan McInnis is passionate about delivering comfortable, conservative, and high-quality treatment. She is making an effort to keep her patients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by taking measures like removing magazines and keeping surfaces clean and disinfected. She is staggering appointments to eliminate in-office waiting times. For more information, visit her website, or call (503) 761-1414.