Patient Quick Guide to PPE Per CDC Guidance: Stay Safe During COVID-19

Social distancing rules mandate that we keep elective dental procedures to a minimum. Still, dentists and patients alike have to make allowances for urgent care while protecting themselves and others. This is where personal protective equipment comes in.

PPE per CDC guidance: What the CDC says about protective equipment for dentists and patients

There are expansive CDC and ADA guides that cover how dentists should operate their practices during COVID-19. The guide goes over matters like the health of the staff, disinfection protocols between patients and social distancing rules in waiting areas. They also go over what is considered a dental emergency and what is not.

Most importantly, CDC guidelines cover personal protective equipment to protect both patients and dentists. It is worth noting that during a dental visit, it is the dentist and their staff who will take most of the precautions. Here is what a patient should expect when they walk into a dental practice for urgent dental care.

What to expect at the front office: patients and staff

At the moment, the CDC has guidelines for anyone who goes into a common space like the grocery store, the hospital or for essential workers, the workplace. These guidelines also apply to patients who visit a dentist’s office. Here are the most important pointers:

• A patient should avoid elective dental procedures. They should only seek dental care in case of an emergency like injury, infection or pain.
• The CDC recommends that people wear a face mask or a suitable cloth barrier when in public to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19 via respiratory droplets.
• Dental practices recommend that patients wear a mask if they can. Some practices may provide a mask when a patient walks through their doors.
• The front-office staff will wear face masks, a lab coat, scrubs and sometimes gloves.
• Dental assistants and dental hygienists come into close contact with patients. As such, they will wear a gown over their clothes to protect their patients and themselves. This is in addition to a face mask, gloves and any other necessary protective gear.

As the dentist performs an exam of the patient’s mouth, they will put on protective equipment that covers the lower half of their face. Depending on the patient’s health the dentist may also wear protective gear that covers their eyes.

Here is what a patient should expect when they finally sit in the dentist’s chair:

PPE for dentists during dental procedures

When a dentist fills a tooth, they wear a surgical mask, gloves and a gown. This is not that much different from recommended PPE per CDC guidance for COVID-19. Depending on the dental procedure, the dentist will likely add protective equipment for their eyes or their entire face. They may also swap their regular surgical mask for an enhanced version, like an N95 mask.

Your health and safety is our highest priority

Our use of PPE per CDC guidance may be jarring at first, but it is an assurance that we’re looking out for you. Our practice will also provide patient screening and other necessary safety measures.

If a dental emergency has you in a bind, contact us and request an appointment. Our caring, experienced dentist will restore your oral health while ensuring your safety for the duration of your visit.

Request an appointment here: https://fortleefamilydental.com or call Fort Lee Family Dental at (201) 620-9772 for an appointment in our Fort Lee office.

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