At Sydney Dental Aesthetics & Implants we’re used to dealing with scared people (and with bugs).
Dentists have always been serious about keeping you safe from cross infection (other people’s bugs).
For years it has been a legal requirement that we regularly attend lectures on sterilisation (and we do), and there are specific standards we must adhere to.
To be honest, we’ve got bigger fish to fry than COVID 19 (the coronavirus). It’s a lot easier to kill than most of the bad bugs we tackle on your behalf every day.
These are just some of the things we do to ensure your safety:
Sterilisation
All metal instruments that are put in your mouth will have been processed in an autoclave. An autoclave uses superheated steam (under pressure) to kill ALL bugs. It even kills the very nasty, very hard to kill prions that cause Mad Cow Disease (have you forgotten about Mad Cow Disease? We haven’t, and we’ve been protecting you from it for years).
Every autoclave cycle is individually checked multiple ways by our team to make sure it worked properly, and all autoclaves are regularly double-checked and tested by external examiners to ensure they work properly.
Pre-Sterilised Bits and Pieces
Many things we purchase, and use come as single-use items in sealed plastic wrappers that have been pre-sterilised by the manufacturer.
Surface Disinfection
It’s hard to put a chair, or a bench, in an autoclave. For that reason, all surfaces the patient, and the team, that come in contact with during treatment are either covered by single-use plastic or wiped down with disinfectant (after every patient appointment).
Protecting You From Us (and vice versa)
When was the last time your doctor touched you without gloves? Hmmm… When was the last time your dentist touched you without gloves? Yeah, that’s right. It never happens.
To be fair to our medical colleagues, they’re often touching parts of your body that are low risk for bad bugs. We dentists, however, figure it’s easier just to have one rule, which is to wear gloves, masks, and protective eyewear for all patients at all times. And we make you wear glasses too (it’s not just a fashion statement).
Other Sensible (Future?) Precautions
You can be very confident we are well informed about the latest requirements (remember bugs are our thing) and will be following the recommendations of the relevant authorities.
Handshakes are out. Elbow bumps are in. Whatever is considered the current best way of protecting you will be what we do; we always have.
How You Can Help Us
If you think you’ve been exposed to COVID 19 (through overseas travel or local exposure), then self-isolate as the authorities recommend. While it’s smart (and expected) that you go to your doctor when you’re sick, dentists prefer you NOT to attend if you’re feeling unwell (unless of course it’s an emergency, or you are in pain). If, however, you are feeling well, and haven’t been exposed, then there is no need to delay or defer your treatment. You should attend your dental appointments as normal.
The government is very concerned about the potential negative effects of COVID 19 on business (unless of course you make or sell toilet paper). It’s crucial we all do our bit to keep the economy moving, and go about our normal daily lives, so we keep everybody employed.
Dental practices are cleaner and more “bug free” than just about any public area. So please don’t be scared about coming in to see us. Visiting the dentist may be the safest place to be.
View the WHO guide on dealing with the Coronavirus
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and professional team at SDAI. Call (02) 9233 3301
Would you like to find out more about our team, then please click here