The Coronavirus has brought into sharp relief how our lives can be quickly disrupted by unforeseen events. Amid all the uncertainty, we’ve had to adjust our expectations and make drastic changes to the way we travel, attend school, the workplace, or even keeping routine medical appointments.
As a responsible Canberra Dentist and Healthcare Provider, we want to provide our patients with a sense of calm so that you do not feel overwhelmed by the changes and compromise your oral health as a result.
At Molonglo Dental Surgery, we are not taking any chances when it comes to Hygiene and Infection control. As we join other Australians to fight the COVID-19 pandemic together, we want you to know that your health and safety matters a great deal to us.
Our Commitment is that we take every precaution to make sure that you are well protected from the threat of infection at all times.
Molonglo Dental Surgery follows the COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the relevant authorities, including those of: The Australian Government; Australian Dental Association; and Dental Health Services Victoria.
We have implemented further precautionary steps, in addition to the stringent Infection & Hygiene Control measures practiced in our clinic.
The following Infection & Hygiene Control protocols include both pre-existing as well as newly enhanced measures:
Disinfection and Sanitation
Reception Area Sanitation: We have extended our hygiene controls from inside the surgery to the reception area and beyond. Using hospital-grade antiseptic and antibacterial products, we ensure that all surfaces – including chairs, door handles, and the reception desk – are cleaned and disinfected between every patient appointment.
Enhanced Frequency: We have increased the frequency and intensity of sanitation, disinfection, and sterilization protocols. We also advise our patients to clean their hands with antiseptic gel provided upon arrival.
Touchpoint Reduction: We have removed all magazines from the reception area to minimize contact points and reduce infection risks.
Pre-Treatment Mouth Rinse: Before starting their treatments, patients are given a Savacol mouth rinse to further reduce the likelihood of any cross-infection.
Aerosol Minimization: To minimize the risks of transmission via aerosols in the clinical room, we will, where possible, always use a hand scaler instead of an ultrasonic cleaner.
Patient Appointment and Screening
Staggered Scheduling: We are staggering patient appointments, resulting in fewer patients in the waiting room at any given time to ensure social distancing measures are maintained.
Comprehensive Screening: We have adopted a phone and in-person screening process to assess patient risk. We ask each patient if they are feeling unwell, if they suspect contact with someone who may have Coronavirus, or if they have recently traveled overseas.
Staff Monitoring: We monitor our dental team members with daily health checks to minimize infection risks to other staff members and patients.
Emergency Appointments: We set aside dedicated emergency appointments across the day for our patients in urgent need of care.
Protective Gear
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): PPE serves as the primary barrier between infection and the body. We utilize personal protective equipment including face masks, gloves, aprons, and gowns to protect all our healthcare providers and patients.
Safe PPE Disposal and Sterilization: All disposable PPE items are disposed of safely. Any non-disposable protective equipment is thoroughly disinfected before re-use.
Your Cooperation, Please
Finally, we understand that implementing these enhanced hygiene steps may introduce a measure of inconvenience to our patients. In view of the circumstances, we would like to ask for your patience.
Only with your help can we maintain a clean and virus-free environment for everyone. A little consideration goes a long way in our fight against this pandemic.
As usual, we are open to your feedback and suggestions. Let us know how we can improve and serve you better.
If you have feedback or wish to book an appointment with our Friendly Canberra Dentist in Molonglo Valley, contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
