According to the announcement from the Ministry of Public Health during the COVID-19 outbreak, dentists were advised to stop procedures that carry a risk of spreading the virus, such as scaling, wisdom tooth extraction, or denture fitting, due to the large amount of aerosol generated. It was recommended to provide treatment only in emergency cases. However, now that the COVID-19 outbreak situation has started to ease, the general public is reasonably informed by the government and related agencies, leading to increased awareness, basic self-protection, and strict compliance. All patients who come to the dental center wear masks, and frequently wash their hands. Therefore, the hospital and dental center have implemented additional safety measures for dentists and patients as follows:
- Initial history taking and screening, such as filling out details before treatment
- Measuring the patient’s temperature; must have no fever
- Washing hands with Alcohol Gel before and after service
- Gargling with antiseptic mouthwash for 30 seconds before treatment to reduce oral bacteria
- Doctors wear protective equipment such as hair caps, N95 masks, face shields, gowns worn over lab coats
- Use of high power suction devices
- Dental instruments are strictly sterilized according to Universal Precaution principles
- Seating arrangements for waiting patients maintain social distancing and are cleaned every hour
- Cleaning the examination room after every procedure
- The air conditioning system in the dental center is a rapid air circulation system according to airborne infection control regulations and is sterilized with ultraviolet (UV) light before air is recirculated within the treatment rooms
Therefore, it can be assured that patients will receive safe services and dentists can provide all dental treatments.
