Sedation Clinics
Everyone knows how to wash their hands correctly, right? Before the COVID-19 crisis, that question might have been met with an uncertain answer. However, now with media outlets and medical professionals stressing the importance of good hand hygiene, it’s unlikely you’ll meet someone who doesn’t know to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. But these body parts are the only areas that must remain thoroughly cleaned, especially when talking about your dentist in Lexington. Take a look at why your dental team is making it a priority to maintain good personal hygiene amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
Why Good Personal Hygiene is a Must
Healthcare workers are exposed daily to all types of germs, bacteria, and airborne particles that can cause serious illness. Should they choose not to abide by certain protocols and guidelines, these individuals could become sick as a result of being exposed to an infected person or vice versa.
In dentistry, dental hygienists and dentists must remain in close proximity with patients and that includes having their hands inside an individual’s mouth. So what are they doing to protect you as well as themselves? Here are a few ways:
- Dental staff is instructed to keep hair up and away from the face as well as trim fingernails so they remain short to minimize bacteria from accumulating beneath the nail bed.
- Team members are to arrive at work wearing their normal clothes and change into their scrubs. They are also required to change out of their work attire before leaving.
- They will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) anytime they are taking care of patients, and face masks should be worn at all times, even in-between appointments.
- They are to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent harmful bacteria from forming within the mouth and ultimately weakening their immune system, making them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
- Staff will regularly wash their hands before and after wearing gloves when finished treating a patient, as well as after they have touched any surface with bare hands.
How They Effectively Wash Their Hands
From door handles to dental mirrors to light switches, dentists touch all sorts of surfaces, instruments, and equipment throughout the day. Not to mention the contact that occurs when examining and cleaning your teeth and gums.
If you want to know what they are doing to keep them clean, here are a few guidelines they follow:
- Wash using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Scrubbing beneath fingernails, along the forearms, between the fingers, and along with the palms and backsides of the hands
- Drying them with the help of a disposable towel instead of a cloth one
Because bacteria can live on clothes, hair, within the mouth, on the hands, and on nearly all other surfaces and body parts, good personal hygiene is an absolute necessity that cannot be overlooked. Fortunately, you can trust that your dentist is going above and beyond to make sure their team is abiding by all the appropriate rules and protocols to keep you and others safe.
About the Practice
At Dental Wellness of Lexington, our team of dentists is working hard to make sure you are confident about your upcoming visit. Why? Because as doors begin to reopen after being closed due to COVID-19, personal hygiene and increased sanitation efforts are more important than ever. From proper handwashing to social distancing to maintaining high standards of cleanliness are the most effective ways to combat this virus, and you can trust that we are taking it very seriously. Check out our website or call (859) 223-4644 to learn what this “dentist near me” is doing to keep you safe when visiting our office.