I DON’T WANT NO SCRUB: WHY YOU WON’T SEE YOUR DENTIST IN SCRUBS OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many practices have implemented measures to protect both staff and patients. Practices have ramped up their cleaning efforts and have even changed their protocols.

What is COVID-19?

You may have heard the term “coronavirus” in the news lately, especially in relation to the current pandemic situation we are seeing all over the world. You may be wondering what exactly this virus is and how it can affect you and those around you.

How infection spreads during a procedure?

Infections can spread quickly during the current Covid-19 pandemic when patients are contagious before ever showing symptoms. It is imperative for dentists to practice sound infection control measures to prevent the spread of infection to patients and staff.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended that the dental office implement enhanced cleaning protocols, including wearing gloves for all medical procedures and providing patients with face masks. However, the team should change out of scrubs and into regular clothing before leaving the office, regardless of whether or not the patient is undergoing a procedure. Wearing scrubs outside of the office increases the exposure of the patient to germs, especially if they are not changed out regularly.

The team should also wash their hands thoroughly upon entering and exiting the office and refrain from touching any surfaces in the office that a patient may have touched. These simple precautions can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination and keep patients and staff healthy during this challenging time.

Patients should be made aware of the enhanced cleaning and infection prevention measures that have been put in place to protect both them and the staff during their appointment. Education about the practice’s recommendations should be shared in the form of handouts or verbally during check-in. In addition to wearing masks when in the waiting room, patients should also be asked to refrain from coughing or sneezing into their arms or hands to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

All team members should follow the practice’s protocol by washing their hands thoroughly before entering the patient’s room, after each patient visit, before and after eating food, and after using the restroom. Hand sanitizer does not adequately remove viruses and other pathogens, so it is best to use soap and water whenever possible.

Why is it important to change out of the scrubs by the dentist?

Wearing the same pair of clothes for too long or outside the dental office can lead to an increased risk of contracting bacteria or viruses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that these types of infections can spread in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Therefore, many facilities are limiting the number of people allowed in a specific area at once to prevent the spread of disease.

At our office, we have recently implemented a new protocol that requires all staff members to change their scrubs before they go out.