Coronavirus precautions at Dental Quarters

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has officially been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation.

As a dental practice, the safety of our patients and our team is of utmost importance. We want to reassure our patients that we are taking all necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of this highly contagious virus. We are constantly checking updates and recommendations to us by the ADA, as well as updates by the Western Australian Government. We also meet regularly as a team to discuss new developments and how this may change the way that we operate.

As such, we have implemented the following procedures: (Updated as at 22 April 2020)

1. All patients are being screened for illness or contact with a known case of COVID-19.
2. We ask that any patients who have flu-like symptoms reschedule their dental visit for a minimum of 2 weeks.
3. Our team is conducting swabbing and disinfection of common areas and high touch areas such as door handles, light switches, reception desk, pens, HICAPS machine and other common surfaces three times a day.
4. Use of mouthwash prior to starting treatment for all patients, to reduce bacteria and viral load that could be distributed by aerosols during dental procedures.
5. We currently have sufficient supply of ASTM Level 2 masks for all patient appointments which will be used by all staff, on a single use basis. Each mask is changed for each new patient that we see.
6. We provide access to alcohol based hand rub in the waiting area for all patients to access upon entry. Rub over all your hands for at least 30 seconds, and let dry.
7. We then recommend patients wash their hands thoroughly for 40-60 seconds with soap and water in the clinical room.
8. All team members have been trained and adhere to proper hand hygiene standards as seen here.
9. All magazines have been removed from the waiting room as they cannot be cleaned.
10. We have switched to the use of disposable coffee cups for all patients and team members.
11. We will log a record of ALL visitors to the practice including dental company reps, accompanying family and/or friends and delivery persons.
12. We recommend minimising the number of non-essential accompanying persons at appointments.
13. Number of people in the waiting room will be limited in line with social distancing rules.
14. Certain elective procedures may need to be postponed or deferred in line with current Level 2 restrictions enforced by the Australian Government.

During this concerning time, we want to do all we can to ensure our patients and team is safe, and we are doing what we can to avoid transmission of this highly contagious virus. If you are unwell, please seek appropriate help. Guidelines and advice for COVID-19 from the West Australian Government can be found here.

With these measures in place, and with your co-operation, we are confident that we can keep you and our team safe during this time.

If you have any further queries, please call us on 6143 5655.

Author: Lydia