What safety measures are local dentist offices taking as they reopen?

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Dental practices across metro Atlanta have reopened with new safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“We practiced for three or four weeks on just how we were going to see a patient. We just had to up our game. We are protecting ourselves, our families, everybody else we’re around,” Dr. Susan Rifkin told Channel 2′s Tom Regan.

Rifkin and her son reopened their dentistry practice in Sandy Springs last month.

Before a patient is admitted into the office, their temperature is checked and they are asked a list of health questions. The waiting room of the office is closed. Patients must wait in their cars until they are called into the office for their appointment.

The practice has limited its patient capacity to about 60% of what they took at a time prior to the pandemic.

All dentists and hygienists wear face shields and rubber gloves. Chairs are encased with a cover that is removed and freshly replaced after each patient. Surfaces are constantly sanitized.

Hygienists are also reducing the use of ultrasonic teeth cleaners which spray water droplets into the air.

“We are turning more toward hand scaling and cleaning with sharp instruments, rather than going strong with  ultra sonics that can dispense the aerosols,” said dentist Zach Rifkin         .

Prior to procedures, patients also are asked to rinse their mouths for one minute with bacteria killing hydrogen peroxide.

One patient said he was looking forward to his dentist appointment.

“I certainly feel safer with what’s going on. I’m excited having my teeth cleaned. It’s been a little longer than six months, that I care not to say,” Josh Child said.

Another patient said all the safety protocols were reassuring.

“I was very comfortable. I’m hoping more people will go to the dentist. Your oral health is so important and an indication of your overall health.”

The office is following COVID-19 guidelines set by the CDC, OSHA, and the American Dental Association.

The dentists say about 80 percent their patients want to come back soon. The scheduling could get crowded since the office was closed for three months.

“As soon as we started coming back to work, it felt like home again.” said Dr. Susan Rifken.

Cox Media Group