At A Caring Dentist in Tampa, FL, the commitment to safety has always gone above and beyond. The dental care providers here consistently exceed guidelines set by the ADA and CDC. Their office environment is designed to ensure a safe, welcoming space for every patient. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the practice has enhanced its protocols to further protect both patients and team members.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of a respiratory illness, please stay home and call to reschedule your appointment.
General Safety & Screening Protocols
Safety starts the moment you walk through the door, with steps that help protect you, other patients, and the team. Everyone entering the practice completes a quick health screening that includes a temperature check and a few easy questions. It’s a simple process.
- Hand hygiene required: All individuals must wash their hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.
- Daily screening: Every person must complete a screening questionnaire and have their temperature checked.
- Temperature policy: Individuals with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher will be asked to leave and reschedule.
- Protective gear in use: Team members use masks, gloves, gowns, and face shields as needed for protection.
Team Member Guidelines & Hygiene Practices
The team follows a consistent set of safety habits to make sure the office stays clean and healthy. From keeping personal items out of patient areas to following hygiene rules like tying back hair and washing hands often, everything is done with your safety in mind. They take it seriously.
- Daily health checks: Team members are screened before every shift.
- Family illness policy: Those with household members experiencing symptoms must stay home.
- Clean workspaces: Countertops remain free of personal items and are disinfected regularly.
- Personal hygiene standards: Hair should be tied back, and fingernails kept short and clean.
- Designated phone areas: Phones are stored away from clinical areas and only accessed at the start or end of the day.
- PPE disposal protocol: All protective gear is either sanitized or discarded appropriately before leaving the office.
Appointment Pre-Screening Process
Before your visit, you’ll get a call, text, or email to go over a short screening and confirm your forms. This helps the team spot any early signs of illness and gives you the chance to reschedule if needed. It saves time and keeps everyone safe.
- Pre-visit communication: Patients will receive a call, text, or email to confirm their appointment and complete a screening questionnaire.
- Electronic forms: Any necessary medical history forms must be submitted online before arrival.
- Follow-up screening: The same questions will be reviewed upon arrival to ensure no changes.
- Priority scheduling for high-risk patients: Those with underlying health conditions may request early appointments to support social distancing.
Patient Guidelines In Reception & Front Office
Check-in has been streamlined to help limit time in shared spaces while still making sure you feel welcome. You’ll text or call when you arrive, and the team will guide you from there so social distancing stays in place. It’s easy and efficient.
- Curbside check-in: Patients should text or call the office before exiting their vehicle.
- Unaccompanied entry: Only the scheduled patient should enter the building unless special assistance is needed.
- Sanitizing protocol: All patients must sanitize or wash their hands and may be asked to use a pre-treatment rinse.
- Distancing in effect: Social distancing guidelines must be followed throughout the reception area.
- Minimized shared items: Items like magazines, brochures, and beverages have been removed for safety.
- Arrival protocol: Patients will have their temperature checked again before being escorted directly to the treatment area.
Patient Safety Measures In Treatment Rooms
Each room is thoroughly cleaned and prepared before your appointment begins, using top-quality air filtration and sterilization systems. You’ll be asked to rinse and wash your hands before treatment starts, and everything used is either thrown away or fully sanitized. It’s all part of keeping things safe.
- Air purification installed: HEPA filtration systems are used to maintain high air quality.
- Room preparation: Patients may wait briefly while their treatment room is thoroughly disinfected.
- Initial hygiene step: Patients will wash their hands and rinse them before being seated.
- Aerosol control tools: High-speed and low-speed suction devices are used to reduce airborne particles during procedures.
- Sterile standards: Disposable materials are discarded immediately, and reusable tools are sterilized after every use.
- Final hygiene step: Patients should wash their hands before exiting the treatment room.
Commitment To Ongoing Safety
The team at A Caring Dentist stays up to date with the latest health recommendations and adapts protocols as needed to give patients peace of mind. Whether it’s a small update or a major change, everything is done to protect your health and make your visit comfortable. You can count on them.
- Advanced dental care: The team delivers quality care using the latest technology and strict health practices.
- Protocol updates: Safety measures are reviewed regularly and adjusted based on new CDC or ADA recommendations.
- Compliance culture: Every team member follows these protocols closely and will implement future changes as needed.
- Patient-first approach: All adjustments are made with patient health, safety, and comfort as the highest priority.
