As our office re-opened, it may be that you remain curious about the sorts of COVID-19 safety precautions that will be taken by our staff. Though there will surely be differences from the appointments to which you have grown accustomed, rest assured that our team is well-trained in disease prevention practices. In everything from operatory cleaning to waiting room sanitation and the compulsory use of personal protective equipment, safety remains a top priority, and that extends to patients and office staff alike.

Precautions at the Forefront

In terms of reducing the risk of disease transmission, it is important to remember that Dr. Mizell prioritizes all recommended precautionary measures. These include the wearing of glasses and masks, the use of sterilized instruments, and the thorough cleaning and disinfecting of all surfaces.

Also, high-touch areas including seating, door handles, restrooms, and reception desks are subject to frequent cleaning as well. You may even notice that items that can be difficult to clean, such as complimentary drinks stations and reading materials may have been eliminated entirely for the time being. It is also possible that your practitioner will request that you brush your teeth prior to visiting the office.

Necessary Adjustments

It is possible that upon your arrival at the orthodontist’s office, you will notice some changes to the way things are normally done. Check-in might be a bit more detailed, and this is all to enhance the safety of staff as well as patients. There may be a series of screening questions and procedures patients and visitors must complete upon entering the office. You may be asked to remain in your vehicle until your appointment time arrives. Some offices will require that you undergo a temperature check and observe strict social distancing practices when you do venture into the office. Patients may also be asked to avoid bringing additional people to appointments unless it is absolutely necessary, and if such individuals must be present at an appointment, they may need to undergo the same screening and safety procedures discussed earlier.

The appointment may now involve the use of a hydrogen peroxide-based mouth rinse, and this is a means to reduce the number of germs present in the patient’s mouth. You may notice that fewer patients and staff are permitted to be in the office at any given time. This is to facilitate the observance of social distancing protocols. Keep in mind that with any of these new adjustments, the orthodontic staff will be happy to answer any questions that may arise along the way.

Keep in mind that each and every American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) member office will heed the aforementioned safety recommendations to give all patients the best possible experience in this uncertain time.