The Virginia Dental Association revised its treatment guidelines to help ensure patient and staff safety during the pandemic, according to WSET.
The VDA worked alongside the Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association for the revised recommendations. The guidelines will continue to be updated as new scientific data emerges, said Elizabeth Reynolds, DDS, president of the VDA.
The guidelines focus on minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission, optimizing oral health, reducing the number of dental patients at emergency departments, and supporting dental offices while safely resuming activities.
Some of the protocols include:
1. Performing a hazard assessment, as recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, to assess and mitigate transmission risk for employees.
2. Have patients complete the Patient Advisory and Acknowledgment at home, online or verbally over phone prior to visit.
3. Inform patients of office policy limiting companions/visitors.
4. Social distancing measures should be implemented in all areas of the office when possible.
5. Schedule times to wipe all touchable surfaces with approved cleaners.
6. Hand scaling for hygiene is preferred.
7. Prepare operatories by flushing water lines and checking air lines, inhalational anesthesia unit gas lines and suction lines. Cover keyboards and monitors, and limit or eliminate paperwork in operatories.
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