Dental industry news, trends and information from Patterson Dental.
The simplest way to prevent aerosol generation in the dental office is to use equipment that does not generate aerosols. For dental hygienists, during the COVID-19 pandemic this has meant little to no use of ultrasonic scaling equipment, a greater reliance on hand scaling and an increased risk of hand and wrist fatigue. The AeroPro Cordless Prophy Handpiece System is one solution.
Compliance is a critical aspect of any successful dental practice. As such, it’s important to stay on top of current standards, laws and guidelines to safeguard your dental practice and patients. Here are five common denominators of compliance every practice should consider.
Hand washing, though it may seem simplistic during a pandemic, can actually be the most effective way of preventing the spread of germs, including those that cause COVID-19. As dental practices navigate the recent challenges related to COVID-19 and work to implement strategies to protect patients and staff, a closer look at hand hygiene may prove helpful.
To say that 2020 was a year of rapid change is an understatement. After a brief shutdown of practices across the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the dental industry reopened with the adoption of new technologies, stricter infection control guidelines and a renewed focus on personal and team wellness. Linda Harvey, MS, RDH, HRM, shares her thoughts on what’s in store for 2021.
Safety is a critical part of every dental patient’s experience. They want to feel comfortable about the care you and your team provide, and that includes the steps you take to ensure they’re safe from infection. What patients see in your waiting room and operatories is only part of the story. Would they still feel good about your practice if they looked into your sterilization room or could inspect your dental unit waterlines?
Keeping high-touch personal items and PPE clean can provide additional safeguards against the spread of COVID-19. One solution for sanitizing high-touch personal items is the new PurLite™ Clean UV-C Cleaner. PurLite is a sanitizer that uses advanced, medical grade UV-C technology to provide a fast and effective way to ensure patients and employees feel safe and protected while in your office.
The WHO recently recommended the delay of routine dental care in certain situations due to COVID-19. In a written response, the ADA said it “respectfully yet strongly disagrees” with the WHO’s recommendation. Roger P. Levin, DDS, shared a video outlining a scripted response dental practices can use to address patient concerns. Dr. Levin also offers three signs that may signal patients are opting out of routine dental care due to this news.
Welcome back to Patterson Profiles, a new series where we sit down with a Patterson Dental VIP for an in-depth chat about their personal involvement with a philanthropic organization. These individuals pursue their passions with purpose, and personify Patterson’s commitment to community! Our inaugural edition featured Regional […]
On paper, the difference between clean water and clean waterlines may only be 5 letters. In reality, however, the divide is major. Knowing that there is a difference, why the distinction is so important, what the ADA standards for both are, and how to ensure […]
Safety must be at the forefront of each process in the delivery of oral health care. In order to ensure the safest dental visit for both workers and patients proper cleaning and disinfection of clinical surfaces must be understood and implemented appropriately. We are reminded […]
Are you up-to-date on the latest guidelines and standards from CDC, OSAP, OSHA and your state government? Do you stay current with industry news and continuing education? Develop more confidence in your infection control management by increasing focus on training, documentation and ongoing education. Follow […]
Over the past few months, we’ve all watched as the Ebola situation has continued to evolve, with the US encountering its first diagnosed case on September 30th. As we learn more about this virus, its symptoms, and the way it’s spread, many of us have questions […]
“Which contact time do we follow for our disinfectant – there are three times listed?” “How do I get our students to comply with PPE?” “Do I have to wear my gloves? My hands get sweaty!” I could fill tomes with the questions I’ve received […]
In a recent blog post, we discussed the importance of a well-designed sterilization center; once the ideal space is created, it’s important to have the right equipment. When choosing equipment, a few things to consider include: Is the equipment easy to use? Does the chamber […]
Most dentists aim to exceed a patient’s expectations, and good ones do. Of all the expectations a patient might have, the one that is the most standard is the expectation that proper sterilization techniques are used. Dentists need to follow proper sterilization procedures for the […]
The Electronic Media Branch at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a helpful guide to social media writing. This is a resource that is full of valuable information, but is also very user-friendly. If you are just beginning to utilize social […]