We Are Seeing Patients Again With New Appointment Protocols

Posted on May 20, 2020 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Lately, when people see a hospital worker on television news, healthcare workers have on layers of garb that we’re unaccustomed to seeing. Hopefully, in time, all this protective layering won’t be needed. For now, it’s in line with proper precautions for the safety of both patients and staff.

As established periodontists in Asheville, it has been a pleasure for Dr. Boyland and I to be able to open our doors again for patient care. And, our schedule is full! Patients in need of treatment have been patiently (but anxiously) waiting to resume periodontal therapy and dental implant placement.

However, our reopening brings some new protocols in addition to our already-stringent infection-control measures. Some new steps that patients may notice now in the flow of the appointment, from the check-in process to check-out. Too, patients will see us attired in more layers than before.

As a heads up, our doctors and staff are wearing protective equipment (N95 masks, gowns, face shields, etc.). This protective gear does not interfere with patient communication nor the exceptional care we have always provided.

Other than our “new look,” however, patients will also go through a few new steps, which include:

• Once patients arrive for scheduled appointments, they are asked to call our main number (828-274-9440) from their vehicles. Our receptionist will provide the patient with a pre-appointment questionnaire.
• After we retrieve the completed form, a staff member will escort the patient into the office. (For now, only appointed patients are allowed unless accompanying a child or disabled patient.)
• Once inside, patients will have their temperature taken and a staff member will escort them to a treatment suite.
• After care is completed, a staff member will walk the patient to our check-out desk.

In addition, patients can have the peace of mind that our Asheville periodontal office has always adhered to the highest standards of infection control in dentistry. Typical steps that have always been in place include are the sterilization process used on the instruments used in patient care (such as probes).

These pieces are heat sterilized at high temperatures for up to 40 minutes, killing bacteria, viruses and infectious micro-organisms. Once sterile, the instruments are carefully packaged until ready to unwrap for use in the treatment room.

Even the water used (for rinsing or as a spray to manage air particles) comes through water lines that undergo a special “flushing” process. This cleansing process dislodges and eliminates biofilm that can occur when minuscule particles attach to the interior of these lines. Thus, the water sprayed in your mouth during certain procedures is delivered so bacteria levels are at such a low point they are virtually non-existent.

After each patient is seen, treatment chairs, lighting, and any equipment the patient or staff come in contact with are thoroughly wiped down.

These steps have always been done to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients as well as our doctors and staff. Yet, now more than ever, we have a unique mindset in everything we do.

While the vast majority of patients seen feel very comfortable in our office and infection control steps being taken, we encourage questions or concerns so we can explain, reassure or even reschedule those who are still uneasy about close contact. Just call us at 828-274-9440. Our friendly front staff will be happy to assist you.

What’s most important is that you stay safe while keeping your oral health at its best. The progression from poor oral hygiene to gingivitis to full-blown periodontal disease is faster than many people realize.

Be sure to brush at least twice a day for at least minutes per brushing. Brush your tongue with your toothbrush once a day (especially towards the back where most bacteria hide out) and floss daily. Keep your mouth moist and limit sugar. Use an oral rinse that contains no alcohol as an added measure to minimize oral bacterial buildup.

Let’s all emerge from this odd time in our history with smiles that are healthy, accompanied by hugs!