COVID-19 rates are slowing because of vaccinations and other health programs, but coronavirus is still a very real concern for people who are not vaccinated. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s safe to visit the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic, the answer is “yes!”
At Palmetto Dental Associates, we are proud to report that none of our team members have tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic shutdown began approximately 13 months ago, and we have been re-open for business since May of 2020. This is proof that PPE and universal precautions are successful, and we are very thankful to work in such a safe environment.
Here are a few reasons it is safe to come to Palmetto Dental Associates and see Dr. Thomas or Dr. Shull for routine and cosmetic dental care in Lexington, Irmo, and Columbia, SC.
1. Curbside Check-In Option
If you prefer to not wait in our waiting area, we are happy to offer curbside check-in. When you arrive at our office for your appointment, call our front desk at 803-808-0888. If no one answers right away, we are on another phone call and it is best for you to come inside to the front desk so that we can get you checked in quickly.
Currently, we are not allowing accompanying family members or friends to wait in the waiting area. Exceptions will be made if you are supervising a minor or helping a person who needs assistance getting into and out of our office.
2. Social Distancing And Scheduling Measures
We currently schedule our appointment times with additional time to ensure that we have plenty of time to thoroughly clean rooms between patients and minimize patient-to-patient contact. We also have spaced out the waiting room chairs to allow for social distancing.
3. Cleaning & Disinfection of Treatment Rooms & Common Areas
At Palmetto Dental Associates, you can rest assured that for over 20 years we have always followed all OSHA protocols for disinfecting patient treatment rooms and sterilizing instruments.
Beyond these already established strict protocols, we are also wiping down tables, chairs, countertops, doorknobs, bathrooms, and all other common areas to help reduce the risks of spreading COVID-19 or any other infectious disease.
4. Enhanced PPE For All Team Members & Advanced Suction Devices
We will be wearing eye protection, gloves, and face masks for all appointments. And, depending on the procedure you’re getting at Palmetto Dental Associates, our dentists and dental team members may wear a wide variety of additional PPE like face shields, hair covers, cover gowns, and more. Additionally, we have purchased high-volume suction devices to keep aerosol spray to a minimum.
All of our front office team members are wearing masks and are working behind Plexiglas barriers. To help ensure the safety of our team members and other patients, we ask that you wear a mask or face covering in our office. If you chose not to wear a mask upon entering the building, we reserve the right to cancel your appointment.
5. Advanced Employee Training for Infection Control
All of our team members have gone through advanced training on proper PPE, hand-washing, respiratory hygiene, and other infection control measures. This greatly minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between patients and treatment rooms.
Come To Palmetto Dental Associates For A Safe Dental Visit During COVID-19!
Dr. Thomas and Dr. Shull are doing everything they can to keep you and your family safe during these challenging times. Don’t skip your next six-month cleaning and oral exam. Contact us online or give us a call at 803-808-0888 to get the dental care you need in Lexington, Irmo, or Columbia, South Carolina.