At Brush, one of our core values is the health and well-being of our patients, our team and the community beyond, which is why we have strongly supported the stay at home order in our state. Dental offices have been asked to close our doors except for urgent and emergent treatment during the COVID-19 crisis. So while we hope everyone is brushing and flossing, things can still happen. If your child has a true dental emergency and needs to see a pediatric dentist during COVID-19, you may feel concerned about being exposed to the virus. While that’s completely understandable, we want you to know we are following CDC and American Dental Association guidelines to keep you safe. As you know, the situation is fluid, but you can rest assured we are on top it! Also, keep in mind that dentists have always been required to practice strict infection control long before COVID-19. Keep reading below to learn about the many ways a pediatric dentist in Hinsdale will keep you and your family safe if you need care during this time.
Sanitation Protocols That Keep Dental Patients Safe
Guidelines for dental offices come from the Center For Disease Control and are used across the board for each and every patient (regardless of whether they’re suspected of having an infection or not.) The following protocols prevent the spread of everything from a simple cold or sinus infection to COVID-19:
- Respiratory or cough etiquette – We are requiring all staff, including front desk staff, to wear a mask at all times. We are limiting emergency visits to one parent and no siblings. At this time that adult must wear a mask if they come into the office.
- Disinfected surfaces – Between each appointment, high-strength antiseptic is used to disinfect cabinet handles, chairs, countertops, light handles, keyboards, and more.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) – Each team member wears PPE such as gowns and eyewear along with disposable gloves and masks.
- Hand hygiene – Everyone is required to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water every time they remove their gloves and before and after each patient.
- Safe injection practices – Local anesthetic supplies such as needles and cartridges are only used once before being disposed of in puncture-resistant containers.
- Instrument sterilization – Each instrument is cleaned and sterilized in a multi-step process. After an ultrasonic cleaning, they’re put in a high-heat autoclave that kills both viruses and bacteria.
When Should Your Child See a Pediatric Dentist During COVID-19?
As you may already know, dental offices are only open for emergency care right now. With that said, sometimes it’s hard to know if a given situation is a true emergency or not. If any of the following applies to your child, give a pediatric dentist a call. In addition to advising you over the phone, they’ll schedule the first available appointment as necessary:
- They have a dental trauma that exposes the nerve of a tooth or they have completely knocked out or severely displaced a permanent tooth.
- They’re complaining of pain and aren’t able to comfortably eat or sleep.
- They have any kind of facial swelling. This often indicates a severe cavity or infection that needs immediate treatment.
- They have uncontrolled bleeding.
Also, don’t hesitate to call if you simply aren’t sure. Pediatric dentists are still available at this time and are more than happy to talk with you, whether it’s to schedule an emergency visit or simply put your mind at ease.
While we can’t wait to be open again, we know that things will be different for a while. Rest assured that Dr. Albert and her team are working hard behind the scenes to ensure the safety of your family, our team and our community beyond. We can’t wait to see your smiles!
About the Author
Dr. Mira Albert is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Hinsdale with over a decade of experience. Her office has always made it a top priority to prevent the spread of infection and continues to adhere to strict sanitation guidelines during COVID-19. If you’d like to know more about how she keeps her patients safe from exposure or have any questions, she can be reached via her website.