At East Texas Dental we understand the role we play as a responsible business in preventing and slowing the spread of COVID-19 within the workplace and community. We recognize that dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations. Our operation decisions are based on both the level of disease transmission in the community and our readiness to protect the safety and health of both our employees and patients. Some of our efforts include:
Prevent and reduce transmission among employees – In accordance with guidelines from state and local public health authorities, we conduct daily symptom and temperature screening of all employees and visitors before they enter the facility. Employees who have symptoms or have a family member with symptoms are encouraged to stay at home to reduce risk of transmission.
Clean and disinfected offices – We ensure that each of our dental offices follow a strict protocol of cleaning and disinfecting all touchpoints at regular intervals with EPA recommended products, minimizing the potential for employees and patients being exposed to respiratory droplets and fomites.
Hand washing – All employees follow strict hand washing guidelines after each patient encounter, before and after shifts or breaks, after touching face coverings or PPE.
Telephone screen and triage – All patients undergo a telephone screen for symptoms of COVID-19 before their appointment. We triage all patients in need of dental care in accordance with CDC guidelines.
Visitation limits – We limit the number of visitors who accompany the patients to only those who are necessary. In the case of children below age 18 only one parent or guardian will be allowed to accompany the child.
