COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions
Pediatric Dental Associates is 100% committed to the safety of our patients, families, and staff during these unprecedented times. Like just about everything these days, a trip to the dentist isn’t the same as it was before the pandemic.
We understand that you may have questions about how we’re keeping our offices safe. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from our patient families. Should you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Is it safe to go to the dentist right now?
According to a recent study by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), “Oral health care is a medical necessity and has been found to be safe for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
What precautions are the offices taking?
Our offices are taking an abundance of precautions to minimize the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including the coronavirus. This includes enhanced sterilization and cleaning procedures, stringent PPE requirements, adding physical barriers to our front desks and hygiene bays.
What Personal Protective Equipment do the Dentists and Clinical Staff wear?
Our dentists and clinical staff wears a full kit of personal protective equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to:
- a KN95 mask covered by a surgical mask,
- a face shield and/or goggles
- Single-use gloves,
- Disposable protective gowns
Our front desk and non-clinical staff also wear a surgical mask while in our offices.
How do you allow for social distancing in your offices?
Our waiting rooms can be busy places. To limit the number of people in these spaces, and to allow for proper social distancing, we ask that only one parent or caregiver accompany the child(ren) to their appointment.
We have also implemented a buzzer system to allow families to wait in their car after check-in until they are ready to go back. If you’ve arrived at our office by public transportation or another means that doesn’t allow you to wait in a car, please notify the front desk for accommodations.
Does the office staff get tested before coming in every day?
Our staff is not subject to a COVID-19 test every day.
How are employees being screened for COVID-19?
At the start of every shift, all employees are screened following current self-monitoring guidelines. Employees that do not pass the screenings are not permitted to enter the facility. Our employees are constantly provided with trainings and resources regarding to COVID and infection control.
How are patients being screened for COVID-19?
All patients and visitors are asked to self-monitor. We have signs posted throughout the offices asking for all patients and visitors to not enter the facility if they are experiencing any signs and/or symptoms or if they have experienced any signs and/or symptoms in the past 48-hours.
What infectious disease and sterilization standards do you have in place?
Pediatric Dental Associates has always followed stringent infectious disease controls, even before the coronavirus pandemic. Our offices follow the standards and guidelines set forth by our state Boards of Dentistry, the Centers for Disease Control, and the American Dental Association.
Have any of your dental procedures changed due to COVID-19?
Because the coronavirus is spread through airborne droplets, we have made changes to some of our in-office dental procedures. Some of these changes include air purifiers and isolation systems to be used during aerosol procedures.
How long do patients have to wait to schedule if they came out positive for COVID-19, or were exposed to it?
Based on recent guidance from the CDC, we are able to treat a patient that previously tested positive for COVID-19 if it has been at least 14 days since the diagnosis AND at least 10 days since the symptoms subsided.
Are the offices disinfected daily?
Our offices are cleaned at least once per week by a professional cleaning company in addition to our standard daily cleaning and sterilization protocols.
Are the dental chairs sanitized after each patient?
Following each appointment, the dental chairs are wiped down with a healthcare-grade disinfectant wipe. We also rotate appointments throughout the office whenever possible to allow for necessary disinfecting and cleaning measures.
Do you have air filtration systems in your offices?
Yes, we operate air purifiers in our clinical areas and hygiene bays.
Should parents go into the office to check-in?
Parents should report to the front desk to check-in for their appointment. We ask that only one parent or caregiver accompany the child(ren) to their appointment if possible.
