The Association for Dental Safety created a resource guide for dentists to follow when reopening a practice after a natural disaster.
With Hurricane Helene shutting down practices and several remaining closed following the hurricane, here are five notes from the resource guide to help prepare for Hurricane Milton.
1. Do not enter buildings, including dental practices, until the authorities deem it safe to do so.
2. The risks of Legionella, mold, lead and copper when it comes to water safety should be considered when reopening a dental practice.
3. General considerations include determining the availability and safety of water sources, ensuring all safety equipment is in working order and cleaning all environmental surfaces.
4. Other considerations include dental unit waterline and instrument reprocessing equipment checks.
5. Be aware of any boil water advisory warnings. The CDC recommends all dental units use systems that treat water to meet the drinking water standards of the EPA.