20 INTERIOR TIPS FOR DENTAL CLINIC POST COVID

 

DENTAL CLINIC POST COVID

                                                                                                                                      SCBA/ 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes in the way people think, live, work and access health care. Dental offices are especially affected, as caregivers are in close proximity to unmasked patients, which puts them at risk. Expectations for Dental practice are at peak from our government, our team members, and even patients. Thus, we must take very deliberate steps to ensure our practices are a safe, welcoming place for everyone.

Dental clinic must ensure sanitization, personal-protective equipment, and caution in aerosol-generating procedures.

The Interior design of Dental clinic plays an important role in preventing infection and cross-transmissions. There are two approaches to prevent cross-contamination, prevention from patients to doctors (vice-versa), and disinfecting surfaces and objects.

Symptoms of COVID-19 Patients 

As we all are aware that the most common symptoms of corona virus are fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, dry cough, tiredness, aches, chest pain or pressure and loss of smell or taste. People with history of international travel in past 2-3weeks, social gatherings and regular hospital visits are more prone to contract corona virus. One more symptom under dental interest is bluish lips which generally indicate severe COVID 19 infection.

20 INTERIOR TIPS FOR DENTAL CLINIC POST COVID

• Make waiting area technology friendly like Wi-Fi facility and remove stack of magazines.
• Remove extra furniture and ensure safe distance between the seating.
• Self-check in or digital check in can be provided at entrance and save the requirement of extra staff.
• Cleaning is critical in infection control and using disinfectants can degrade and fail furniture of wood and fabric. Moreover, fabric in particular can trap and hold bacteria, switch to options made of vinyl and metal.

• Certain metals have antiviral properties and it's alloys like brass and bronze. It is recommended frequently for touched surfaces like door handles, counter tops, cladding material. We should use copper.
• Sink and faucets designed for minimal hand contact should be used.
• Foot pedal or arm operated faucets should be introduced with auto dispensing soap stations and paper towels should be used instead of cloth towels.

• Cover all dental chairs, operating handles by vinyl plastic sheet.
• Light handle/ switch, suction attachment and light tip covered by disposable plastic sheet.
• Maintain air circulation with natural air through windows and an exhaust.

• Avoid the use of a ceiling fan.
• Place a table fan
• The window air condition system/ split AC should be serviced.
• Use of indoor portable air cleaning system equipped with HEPA filter and UV light may be used.
• In central AC buildings, blocking off the return air vents in the patient area will temporarily stop air circulation provided AHU.

• Install glass or plastic barrier at the reception desk, preferably with a two-way speaker system.
• Ensure availability of sufficient three-layer masks and sanitizers and paper tissue at the registration desk, as well as nearby hand hygiene station.
• Dedicated area for donning and doffing of PPE and dedicated area for sterilization.
• Sufficient and dedicated space for storage of additional items of PPE and sterilization and disinfection instruments.
• Use their own wash rooms at home to avoid the need of using toilets at the dentist facility.   

Communication with staff and patients is key to make sure changes and effective. Prior to appointments, screening of patient is must and know about any potential symptoms. Mandatory mask and visitor policies should be explained in advance to patients.