My Orthodontist’s Office Has Re-Opened. Is It Safe to Go?

Expert Contribution by Dr. Barbara Fodero, Chatham Orthodontics

Governor Murphy has allowed orthodontists and dentists in New Jersey to re-open, but you may be wondering what precautions your orthodontist is taking to ensure your safety. While the appointment process may look a little different, don’t worry, your orthodontist has always been on the front lines of preventing the spread of diseases.

From treatment and waiting room disinfection to the strict use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the safety of patients and staff members continues to be of the utmost importance.

Before, during and after treatment:

When it comes to preventing the spread of disease, rest assured your orthodontist has always been strict on universal precautions. Precautions have always included the use of masks, glasses, gloves, sterile instruments and devices as well as clean and disinfected environmental surfaces.

Additionally, in my office, frequently touched surfaces such as door handles and chairs are disinfected between patients by my office staff. Magazines, refreshment stations and children’s games have been removed from the waiting room. Patients will be asked to brush their teeth and use the bathroom at home before coming to the office. The use of electronic documents and signatures will eliminate the use of paper and pens. Medical-grade air purifiers are found throughout the office. A private operatory with negative pressure will be used for any procedure that would create an aerosol, such as putting on braces, or removing braces.

The process may look a little different:

Your check-in will involve a few extra steps to ensure the safety of patients and staff. In my office, we will be taking temperatures curb-side and asking Covid 19 related triage questions before permitting patients to enter the office. We are asking parents to wait in their vehicle as opposed to the waiting room to follow social distancing, unless they need to accompany small children. Patients are asked to wear a mask when entering the office and when leaving. Patients are also required to use hand-sanitizer before entering the office and when exiting.

We have expanded our office hours so that we can see fewer patients and space them out, with a staggered schedule to ensure social distancing and allow adequate time to thoroughly sterilize and disinfect between patients.

For parents waiting in the car, we are using HIPPA compliant 2-way text or phone calls to communicate with parents what was accomplished at that appointment, answer any questions and scheduling the next appointment.

Constant adhering to the latest guidelines from the CDC, OSHA and ADA

Staying abreast of the latest guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and ADA (American Dental Association) ensures the safety of our patients and the dental team. Your orthodontist is staying on top of what the leading authorities on the prevention of Covid-19 and other transmitted infections are recommending to keep you and their staff safe.