COVID-19 Safety Update: Surface Disinfection

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Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we quickly learned that the virus travels through air and surfaces.

NIH suggests that the 2019 novel coronavirus can live for two to three days on plastic and stainless steel surfaces.

To prevent the spread of the virus, we screen every team member and patient, use special aerosol control devices, and are committed to our Triple-Wash air purification protocol. We are also practicing universal masking for all team members and patients.

What we are using in Clinical Areas:

However, the surfaces that we touch and where aerosols can settle on still needs to be disinfected. We have invested in a new surface disinfection product, Sci-Can’s OPTIM 1 . OPTIM 1 is a disinfecting wipe and spray solution that kills pathogens within 1 minute, and kills the human coronavirus in 30 seconds. This product is powerful enough to kill the pathogens but also safe to be used on all of our equipment that you may come in contact with.

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Non-Clinical Areas Disinfectants

In non-clinical areas including high-touch areas such as bathroom door knobs, we are using Clorox Disinfecting Wipes (which also kills coronavirus, just not in 30 seconds) after every time a patient has been in contact with the area. We have placed Germ-X hand sanitizers throughout the office for team members and patients to sanitize their hands. Furthermore, we have also permanently propped the door open from the waiting room to the treatment area.

What about the instruments and PPE?

For instruments, we have always used the proper protocols to disinfect instruments. Our top of the line autoclave to kills all the virus and bacteria using high heat and steam. Our clinical team runs weekly tests of the machine for effectiveness as per OSHA guidelines. Gloves and maks will be changed for every patient. We will wipe down face shields and goggles and change gowns for every aerosol producing procedure.

What you can expect

We plan to maximize the use of our treatment rooms and space out the schedule to allow for the 15-minute breaks to Triple-wash the air. This means that we will try our best to run on time, and not run behind.We need your help to stay on time so we can clean the air for the next patient. We would like to ask you to please:

1. Please provide new or updated insurance information at least 1 week before your appointment
2. Fill out all forms, including the COVID-19 Questionnaire at least 2 days before your appointment (so you don’t have to fill them out at the office)
3. Arrive 10 minutes early, please stay in your car and give us a call at 973-787-8437 or text us at 973-975-0937.
4. Keep your mask on when you come into the office after we let you know we are ready for you.
5. We will take your temperature when you arrive
6. Please do not bring anyone else into the office, unless discussed with our office for specific reasons

Click here to read our other blog posts on COVID-19.Blooming Family Dental is committed to Surface Disinfection, so you can visit us with confidence. We will do everything necessary to make our office the safest dental office to receive dental care. Please give us a call or email us if you have any questions.Call or click here to book an appointment. If you are not ready to come back yet, that’s totally okay – just let us know when you are ready.We look forward to serving you soon.Stay Safe.-Team Blooming Family Dental