Dental clinics require special measures to limit the transmission of infection, so strict guidelines must be followed to ensure the protection of dentists from coronavirus COVID-19 and the safety of patients.
Measures for protecting dentists from coronavirus COVID-19
Healthcare in dental clinics relies on balancing priorities to reduce risks. Preventive measures include the following:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is essential to wear a surgical mask or face mask, along with protective goggles to shield the eyes, nose, and mouth, especially during procedures that cause body fluids or blood to splatter.
- Updating Protection: The mask must be replaced immediately after treating a patient or if the mask becomes damp during work.
- Appointment Management: Postpone elective or non-emergency procedures for patients showing respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing, until they have recovered.
- Continuous Sterilization: Regularly disinfect the dental chair, used instruments, and all clinic surfaces according to international standards.
Organizing Work in Outpatient Clinics
To reduce the chances of infection transmission in dental centers, the following is recommended:
- Telephone Screening: Assess the patient’s condition over the phone to determine the need for a physical visit or the possibility of using “teledentistry” as an alternative.
- Reducing Companions: Request the presence of companions only when absolutely necessary.
- Isolating Suspected Cases: Place patients suffering from acute respiratory symptoms in separate, closed rooms immediately upon arrival.
- Providing Supplies: Provide single-use masks, paper tissues, and touchless waste bins for patients who are coughing.
Coronavirus Prevention Tips for Doctors
Medical staff must adhere to strict health controls, including:
- Personal Hygiene: Wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer constantly.
- Protective Clothing: Wear gloves, dedicated clothing, and face masks when dealing with suspected cases.
- Self-Monitoring: Refrain from going to work if symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, sore throat, or cough appear.
When to Visit a Doctor Immediately?
Dentists or healthcare workers should seek immediate medical attention if the following signs appear:
- Severe difficulty breathing.
- Sudden and acute pathological symptoms.
FAQ
What is coronavirus COVID-19 and its common symptoms?
The common symptoms include respiratory issues such as coughing, high temperature (fever), and shortness of breath, in addition to the possibility of a sore throat and muscle pain.
What are the suspected cases of infection?
A person is suspected of infection if they suffer from acute respiratory symptoms (such as fever and cough) requiring hospitalization without a clear cause and have visited a country where the epidemic is spreading within 14 days, or if respiratory symptoms appear after dealing with an infected person or visiting a health facility that examines cases.
Who are the people who need quarantine?
Quarantine is required for people who were in close proximity to a confirmed infected person, such as those who provided direct care to the patient without protective equipment, those who shared the same environment (such as home or work), or those who traveled with them in a transport vehicle at a distance of less than one meter within 14 days of the onset of symptoms.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for consulting a specialist physician or following the instructions of local health authorities.
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Illustration: AI-generated
approved by: Medica Health team