Types of PPE per CDC Guidance Used by Dental Professionals at Culver City Dental

Operations Update from Culver City Dental in Culver City, CADentists protect themselves from bacteria and viruses by using PPE per CDC guidance. The CDC has outlined different types of personal protection equipment (PPE) dentists should use. The CDC has announced more guidelines during the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out what your dentist will wear when treating you.

PPE per CDC guidance — what to expect

Dentists wear PPE to protect various body parts during dental procedures. The equipment protects dentists’ faces, eyes, hands and bodies. By wearing the equipment, dentists can treat patients without catching transmittable diseases. This allows dentists to provide emergency services during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Face protection

Surgical masks cover the mouth and nose. Dentists should wear these masks when in contact with blood and bodily fluids. Also, dentists and hygienists wear surgical masks when using manual instruments. These instruments are often used to clean the teeth. Manual instruments can cause bacteria and fluids to fly in dentists’ faces. Surgical masks do not provide ample protection during the COVID-19 crisis, though. These masks do not filter airborne particles that cause the disease.

When performing emergency procedures during the pandemic, dentists should use N95 respirators. This is in place of surgical masks. These respirators filter airborne particles, including the particles that cause COVID-19. The mask is called an N95 because it blocks a minimum of 95% of 0.3-micron particles. If possible, dentists can use higher-quality masks that block even more particles.

Dentists who do not have access to an N95 respirator can use a full-face shield and surgical mask for protection. First, dentists must ensure the FDA approved the mask. If it did, the mask can be used and discarded after treatment. The face shield must be cleaned. After cleaning the face shield, the dentist can use it again.

Protective eyewear

During the COVID-19 pandemic, dentists should wear protective eyewear during all procedures. Otherwise, dentists use eyewear as protection when blood or body fluids are present. Protective eyewear is reusable. Dentists must clean and sanitize it after use, though.

Protective clothing

Dentists who use PPE per CDC guidance also wear protective clothing. During the coronavirus pandemic, the CDC recommends dentists wear gowns. At other times, dentists can use gowns or jackets. These items protect street clothes when performing procedures. This helps a dentist avoid bringing germs and bacteria home with them.

Gloves

Disposable gloves are very important during the COVID-19 pandemic and other times. Dentists contact blood and mucous membranes, for example. By wearing gloves, dentists avoid transmitting microorganisms to the patient. Dentists should have patient examination gloves and surgeon’s gloves on hand. Gloves should be discarded after each use.

Using PPE per CDC guidance is critical for dentists

Dentists always want to protect their patients. Following the CDC’s guidance regarding PPE is one way to do that. PPE prevents the transfer of viruses and bacteria. That reduces the risk of infections during treatment. The equipment is more important than ever before. It can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in dental offices.

Recent Posts

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Dentist For Perfect Smile

Are you in the market for a new cosmetic dentist? This type of dental professional is a fantastic resource when you want to adjust how your smile looks and functions. Cosmetic dentists undergo general dentistry training to properly treat patient's teeth and gums. They can make your smile more aesthetically appealing while also ensuring that…

Tooth Contouring Vs. Veneers From A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist helps enhance the smile's appearance. They may correct cracks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections in the tooth enamel through options, including tooth contouring or dental veneers. While similar, a patient will only need one of these cosmetic dental procedures. Learning the differences between these two procedures can help determine which treatment meets…

Tooth Colored Fillings FAQs

Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will bring more health to your body. It will even do wonders for your self-image. If you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings, here are some FAQs and their answers.Silver or amalgam fillings are durable, but they contain mercury. This…

Recent Posts

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Dentist For Perfect Smile

Choosing The Right Cosmetic Dentist For Perfect Smile

Are you in the market for a new cosmetic dentist? This type of dental professional is a fantastic resource when you want to adjust how your smile looks and functions. Cosmetic dentists undergo general dentistry training to properly treat patient's teeth and gums. They can make your smile more aesthetically appealing while also ensuring that…

Tooth Contouring Vs  Veneers From A Cosmetic Dentist

Tooth Contouring Vs. Veneers From A Cosmetic Dentist

A cosmetic dentist helps enhance the smile's appearance. They may correct cracks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections in the tooth enamel through options, including tooth contouring or dental veneers. While similar, a patient will only need one of these cosmetic dental procedures. Learning the differences between these two procedures can help determine which treatment meets…