As the COVID-19 outbreak slows, many dentists around the US, including Miles of Little Smiles, are now open for routine preventive care and general dentistry for all patients. But you may be wondering if it’s really safe to bring your little one to the dentist during the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak.
In this blog, the team at Miles of Little Smiles will go over a few of the steps we’ve taken to protect your little ones. Read on, and see how we’re adjusting to the “new normal!”
Social Distancing & Patient Check-Ins At Our Office
We are minimizing the number of patients we see each day and providing more time between each patient to allow for additional cleaning, air circulation, and sanitization, and changing of PPE for dental staff.
In addition, we ask that you and your little one wait in your car until it is time for your appointment. We will call or text you when it’s time to come in and see Dr. Mila Belgrade and Dr. Dikla Chazbani. In addition, only one parent and the patient will be allowed in the treatment room (unless we are seeing siblings on the same day).
We will also ask you some screening questions before you come in, and when you and your little one arrive at our office. These questions are meant to determine if you’ve traveled in the last 14 days, been exposed to anyone who has COVID-19, and inquire about symptoms like dry cough, shortness of breath, and fever that could indicate an infection.
Adjustments To Waiting Areas & Additional Cleaning Precautions
We ask that, if possible, you and your child wear masks to your appointment. We cannot supply masks due to limited PPE availability. You and your child will be asked to sanitize your hands when you arrive.
We have also removed all magazines, books, and toys from our waiting room, as they are difficult to clean and are a potential infection risk. Our waiting area has been reconfigured to provide adequate social distancing between patients.
Finally, our staff is using EPA-registered disinfectants to eliminate bacteria from commonly-touched surfaces like counters, doorknobs, bathrooms, chairs, tables, and more. We disinfect all of these surfaces multiple times each day.
Staff Screenings, PPE & Infection Control Precautions
All of our staff undergo screenings and temperature checks at the beginning of each day. In addition, our dental team is wearing advanced PPE like face shields, N95 masks, gowns, and caps and shoe covers, when necessary.
All used PPE is left in the operatory where it was used for reprocessing and sanitization or disposal, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
Advanced HEPA Filters & Extraoral Suction Units
We have purchased multiple hospital-grade IQAir HealthPro air purifiers, which use HEPA filters to remove particles including viruses that are down to 0.003 microns in size.
Beyond this, we also have purchased an FDA-approved extraoral suction unit for our treatment rooms. This unit destroys bacteria and viruses upon contact and eliminates the threat of aerosol contamination, which is thought to be the primary vector for COVID-19 transmission.
You Can Get The Care Your Child Needs At Miles Of Little Smiles
Dr. Mila Belgrade and Dr. Dikla Chazbani at Miles of Little Smiles are always here to provide your little one with the care they need for a bright, healthy smile. We’re doing everything we can to keep you safe during your appointment. So don’t wait. If you have questions about our safety precautions or would like to schedule an appointment for your child, just contact us online or give us a call at (914) 949-6655.