Covid 19 pandemic has made it mandatory for healthcare facilities to follow stringent hygiene and sterilization protocols to prevent the spread of the virus and create a safe environment for the patients to undergo dental procedures in dental clinics confidently. We at SMILES N FACES have always been following strict hygiene and sterilization protocols. We have added up few more things to make it even more safer for our patients.
Patient Screening and Categorization
We screen the patients telephonically prior to their appointment to make sure that they do not have any exposure to the virus. We screen them for symptoms, family history, residential area ( for containment zones) , history of travel etc. Only those patients who pass the screening are scheduled for appointment. However, every patient is treated as potential carrier of the virus and protocols are in place accordingly.
Before the appointment patient is again screened. Temperature and oxygen levels are recorded in addition to verbal and written questionnaire.
Staff Screening
We make sure that our staff members are free of Covid 19 infection. They are screened for symptoms on regular basis and they follow recommended social distancing and sanitization protocols even outside the clinic premises.
Appointment Protocols
Only the appointed patients are taken inside the clinic. They must go through thorough hand and face sanitization. They wear face masks, head caps and foot covers additionally before they are taken inside the treatment room. We do not allow any accompanying person to enter the clinic to minimize any potential contamination. Appointments are spaced out enough to allow strict preparation of the treatment rooms.
Treatment Room Protocols
Treatment room is equipped with air purifier with Hepa 14 filters and negative ion generator to filter and mitigate any pathogens and pollutants in the air. All the equipments and floors are wiped with recommended disinfectants before and after every patient appointment. We also minimize the procedures which may generate aerosols. Every patient is instructed to follow certain “on – chair” protocols to minimize the viral load and its transmission if any.
Protective Gear for Doctors and Staff Members
Doctors and staff members use personal protective equipments including cover all suit, N95 mask, head cap and face shield to keep themselves and patients safe from any potential transmission of infection.
Instruments and Consumables
All the required instruments are individually packed in sealed pouches and autoclaved. Other consumables are disposable and discarded after single use.
