COVID-19 UPDATES AND RESPONSE INFO

Stand alone Air Purification Machine (APM) when placed close to patients can play a significant role in reducing the transmittable bio-aerosols while performing aerosol producing procedures. 

Our office has upgraded and serviced our HVAC system and installed the IQAir HealthPro Plus as our APM solution. It was chosen based on its superior Filtration system, Air flow capacity, low sound levels and proven deployment record during the SARS pandemic. The result of these improvements is up to 41% more (and cleaner) air output. On the top speed, the entire volume of air in the operatory will be circulated over 4 times per hour.  

High velocity evacuation, or HVE, when used during all procedures, can improve the potential effectiveness. Some tests show a 95% reduction in aerosols with the use of HVE alone and it is most effective when adjusted at optimal velocity and when positioned close to the operating site.

Our office has always used HVEs (DryShield) for procedures at the Dentist chair and will now be expanding their use for all Hygiene chairs as well. The Office has chosen the Dry Shield & ReLeaf solutions based on superior patient comfort and proven effectiveness. 

 Disinfection with UV-C light may significantly reduce environmental bacterial contamination and has been shown to work  in previous pandemics such as SARS. UV-C disinfection may not be   used alone but is a good addition to chemical disinfection.

In   addition to our standard disinfection protocols with EPA approved chemical   disinfectants our office will augment with UV-C light (254 nm) based disinfection with a  UV-C based Room Sanitizer commonly used in hospital settings for all our dental operatories.

Current public health guidance requires the use of respiratory protection for dental offices. Scientific evidence is continuously evolving, particularly with regard to COVID-19 transmission and precautionary use of respiratory protection may be prudent where scientific uncertainty exists.

In addition to implementing the above comprehensive infection control plans our office will provide employees only NIOSH-approved P100 respirators (that filter up to 99.97% of particulate matter), face shields and other PPE. We have implemented a comprehensive OSHA-compliant Respiratory Protection Program that requires fit testing respirators and disposable N95 masks to ensure maximum efficacy. 

Enhanced clothing barriers and uniform scrubs for all dental staff and strict laundry controls to meet the highest CDC, OSHA standards.

 At Scripps Ranch Family Dentistry we have contracted with CAL/OSHA compliant medical linen provider for medical linen rental and laundry.  Our contractor exceeds standards set by the CDC, OSHA and maintains Hygienically Clean and HLAC certifications. Switching to a linen service for surgical clothing will also allow us to generate less waste.  

While the efficacy of peroxide rinses has not been fully studied it is recommended to reduce the salivary load of oral microbes, including potentially coronavirus. Since coronavirus is vulnerable to oxidation, any mouth rinse containing oxidative agents such as 1% hydrogen peroxide is recommended.

At our office, we use, Colgate Peroxyl 1.5% concentration pre-procedural rinse at the beginning of the appointment for 60 seconds and again after the appointment. 

Enable practice of social distancing and create physical division of spaces using physical barriers in the front office to create separation between patients and front office staff before and after treatment.

At Scripps Ranch Family Dentistry, we have installed Sneeze guards/Clear acrylic barriers to divide space between patients and front office staff and between clinical and non-clinical areas . We have also posted signs to encourage social distancing.

Update Patient screening and check in protocols to institute Administrative controls

Our Office will implement screening of all patients for symptoms during appointment reminders and during patient check in to avoid exposing staff and other patients to CoVID-19. We will limit patients seen at the same time and number of patients seen per day to allow for sanitizing protocols between patients. 

As the Covid-19 situation unfolds various federal, state and local agencies have released guidelines and recommendations that are being updated and we are making decisions based on those. 

We have always taken pride in being responsive to patient's concerns and questions at SRFD. We will always provide transparent and judgement free responses to your concerns and questions. Feel free to reach out to us at (858)-578-0277 or email us at drbala@scrippsfamilydentist.com