COVID-19 Protocols and Precautions

Coronavirus spreads from person-to-person contact, primarily via droplets generated when we cough or sneeze. These respiratory droplets can spread up to 6 feet away. Please read more about coronavirus transmission from the CDC: How Coronavirus Spreads.

Presently, there is no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hence, as the old adage says—prevention is the best cure—the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to this virus. The best way to stay safe is to follow the recommendations from the CDC.

At Rockville Family Dental, we follow the protocols laid out by the American Dental Association along with the Maryland State Dental Board. We follow all the guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA, and go beyond them for the protection of our patients and staff. Our routine infection control measures include:

• Disinfecting the operatory after each patient with medical-grade wipes
• To practice good hygiene, we wash our hands with soap and water and/or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching frequently used items or surfaces.
• Utilize PPE such as safety goggles for patients, staff, and Dr. Parikh; gloves; masks; and gowns.
• Sterilization of all reusable instruments
• Utilization of disposable items like needles, suction tips, HVE tips, bibs, etc.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, in accordance with federal and state regulations, we will also implement additional measures such as:

• We ask patients about their health when we confirm the appointment, and if patients feel sick, we require them to stay home and not go to work or school. We encourage them to contact and follow the advice of their medical provider.
• We check the temperature of staff and patients immediately upon entering the office, then request the use of hand sanitizer. We will check their SpO2 using a pulse oximeter, and then they fill out a screening questionnaire for COVID-19 isolation and symptoms. We encourage you to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
• We practice social distancing in the waiting room, requesting that only one person accompany the patient. If the waiting room is not sufficient because of isolation, we request patients wait in their car and we will call them when we are ready.
• As per the CDC and Governor's order, we strongly encourage you to enter the office using a face mask or covering.
• We request everyone avoid touching their nose, face, and mouth. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of your elbow.
• We have implemented additional protective equipment (PPE) for your protection.
• We disinfect frequently used items, and common and high-traffic areas like doorknobs and bathrooms every 2-4 hours.
• We have removed all magazines from the waiting room.
• If we find a symptomatic patient or staff member, we will require them to return to the office only after they have fully recovered and have been cleared by a medical provider.
• We use pre-procedural mouth rinses of 1% hydrogen peroxide for 1 minute, high-speed suction, extraoral chairside vacuum, and air purifiers to reduce the aerosol generated during various procedures.