Daily cleaning practices and procedures

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General Dentistry During COVID-19: Is It Safe To Visit Your Dentist?

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Mclean VA General Dental Care

The coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has forced us to adapt to frequent cleaning routines, especially if you work in public spaces. We wear face masks, socially-distance ourselves, and wash our hands often, which is even more common than simple greetings. However, you may also question if you are safe enough going to public spaces, like your dentist, in which general dental care visits are crucial to your overall health. 

McLean Family Dentistry not only prioritizes your dental health needs but your safety as well. We’ve updated our policies and procedures to ensure everyone has peace of mind during their visit. We’re excited to welcome new and current patients in McLean and throughout the Northern Virginia area.

Here’s how the dental industry and our practice has adapted to the coronavirus pandemic:

The Evolving Dental Industry

Health constraints have increased across the country and have caused many dental practices to experience commercial effects, including deferred revenue. This is a result of dentists limiting patients to only the most pressing cases. Not only does this lower the chances of infection, but it also reduces their rate of profit.

More dental practices are also investing in additional safety equipment and newer technology, which includes PPE to minimize contact between patients and dental providers. Modern technology investments also go toward managing patients for virtual appointments.

In addition to that, dentists are adding charges to cover those additional safety equipment costs. McLean Family Dentistry has added a $10 fee per patient for PPE unless the patient’s insurance company considers it as an inclusive cost.

Updated Daily Practices & Procedures

As we’ve mentioned in a previous blog, our dental care procedures have been adjusted to align with the current health climate. As the CDC announced that SARS-CoV-2 spreads mainly through person-to-person contact and has a greater impact on older adults, dental practices have adjusted their procedures to increase safety for all. 

Some dentists have started mobile dental clinics that are perfect for those who must avoid public spaces. Mobile dentists offer the same HIPAA-compliant equipment and services to ensure these patients receive the same level of care they would get at a brick and mortar dentistry. 

Other dentists have eliminated patient visit overlaps to further reduce face-to-face contact with other visitors. All staff routinely undergo daily health screenings to ensure no one who is experiencing symptoms or is asymptomatic will infect other patients. 

New Changes at McLean Family Dentistry

We want to make sure you are comfortable during your visit with us and have updated our procedures to help you feel at ease. Many of the changes mentioned above are implemented at McLean Family Dentistry, in which the following continues to help limit exposure of our staff and patients: 

  • No appointment overlaps. Social distancing is also enforced. 
  • Patients and employees are screened for COVID-19 symptoms. 
  • All our staff wears PPE equipment including surgical masks, face shields, and gloves. 
  • We do not use aerosol-generating procedures which scatter droplets into the air and increase your risk of exposure.
  • When equipment is not in use, it will be stored away.

Visit McLean Family Dentistry in Virginia for General Dental Care!

Although we are all faced with incredible challenges this year, we do our best to ensure you have access to the general dental care you need. You and our employees’ health are our priority. If you have any concerns regarding your next visit with us, get in touch with our team in McLean, Virginia today. Schedule your appointment at (703) 448-9100 to get started!