Infection Control
Infection controls and universal precautions protect clients and staff alike. Everyone benefits from rigorous infection control — you, your dentist, and the dental team. The cornerstone in a good and safe dental practice is the element of trust. You should feel free to discuss this topic with Dr. Greenbaum and receive a straightforward answer.
Dr. Greenbaum and our entire team follow procedures recommended by several federal agencies: the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). These measures include:
- Disinfectant hand soap
- Gloves and face masks
- Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
- Sterilization of all equipment before every use
- Disposable materials
We sterilize all reusable equipment, including dental handpieces. We use an autoclave, a device that kills bacteria and viruses by steam, heat, and pressure.
In addition, the following protocols will be carried out indefinitely:
- COVID-19 health questionnaire and interview: to be completed online and in-person before your appointment.
- Pre-appointment confirmation calls to assess any changes in your health
- ‘In-Your-Car’ waiting: Please call us when you arrive and remain in your car until it’s okay for you to enter the office.
- Mask requirements: All patients are required to wear a mask while in office. If you do not have one, we will provide you with a disposable mask.
- No Gloves: Please remove your gloves and dispose of properly before you enter the office.
- Hand sanitizer to be used by all patients once entering our office.
- Temperature checks: All patient’s temperatures will be checked with our infrared/ touchless thermometer.
- Straight to the treatment room: You will be escorted to the treatment room as soon as you enter the office.
- Limitations on companions: Only patients are allowed entry within the office. Family members or friends must remain outside in the car.
- New scheduling protocols: Each appointment is given an extra 15 minutes to allow proper disinfection and to adhere to the social-distancing rules.
- If you are sick and do not feel well, please inform the office immediately.
The best defense against disease is information. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make wise decisions about your health care. The more you know about our daily procedures and policies, the more comfortable you will feel.
