Coronavirus disease or also widely called as COVID-19, has rapidly become a worldwide emergency. It has been declared as a“global pandemic” by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It may not be an exaggeration if we say that mankind is facing one of the darkest times.
The“novel” coronavirus is so called because everything about is new. There were only six known coronaviruses before this and this is now the seventh! There is no text or reference point to know how this virus behaves and intensifies. It probably is going to take years to understand the real impact of this global pandemic.
COVID-19: What is it?
Also known as
- Novel Coronavirus
- SARS-CoV-2,2019(severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus2)
- nCov
It is now called as a“Mega”Pandemic. Pandemic is the term given to the outbreak of the disease that occurs over a wide geographic area and affects an exceptionally high proportion of the population.
This is a zoonotic infection, similar to other coronavirus infections, that is believed to have originated in bats and pangolins and later transmitted to humans. Due to its community spread pattern it has become a mammoth task to contain it.
What are the symptoms?
- Fever- temperature 100.4 degree F or greater
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
Less common symptoms may include
- Diarrhoea
- Aches and pains
How are people affected?
- The spread of the virus is from person to person through small droplets from the nose or the mouth when the person affected with the virus coughs, sneezes, exhales or touches something or someone.
- Currently the estimated period for its incubation is between n 1-14 days, commonly 5 days
- Senile and older people with pre-existing medical conditions are seen to develop more serious conditions than the others.
Dentistry the Risk Branch?
Almost every sector is being affected by this unseen enemy. This calamity is also being called as theblack swan—a rare and inherently unforeseeable event with severe consequences.
The COVID-19 virus has been identified in the saliva of the infected patients hencedental professionals are at high risk for nosocomial infection and can become potential carriers of the disease. These risks can be due to the unique nature of dental procedures, which include aerosol generation and proximity of the provider to the patient’s oropharyngeal region.
Dentistry in today’s environment needs a complete structural change in order to prevent the doctors and the patients from getting infected! The dental fraternity needs to be vigilant and resume practicing by being compatible with the government norms and regulations.
Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic in Ashok Vihar a leading dental implant clinic we have listed and robust procedures in place to knock a clean and sterile environment. Since the declaration of the pandemic, we are following the government guidelines and have been continuously upgrading our hygiene protocols.
Quality Care
This is the motto we strictly adhere to at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar. As dental practices across India are resuming their services, we know there are a many of patients who are still sceptical about visiting the dental clinics.
The staff at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic has always prioritised the health and safetyof all our patients and staff members. This will not change and we have already made significant investments to make sure we are ahead of the anticipated requirements.
The following are the additional measures that we are taking to protect our patients and staff:
- COVID-19 screening for each patient which includes temperature screenings.
- Limited number of appointments at a time.
- Vigorous sanitisation protocols before, during and after each patient procedure
- Sanitisation using all disinfectant solutions like
- Clorox sodium hypochlorite
- Hydrogen peroxide and silver nitrate
- Isopropyl alcohol 70%
- Cidex 2.4% glutaraldehyde solution
- 3M Sanitiser
- Mopping of the clinic floors with hot water and detergent followed by sodium hypochlorite mopping using GREATERSCAP multifunctional stainless steel micro fibre floor cleaning healthy spray mop with removable washable cleaning pads and integrated water spray mechanism.
- Modified spray machine to disinfect chair and clinic.
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Temperature screening using infrared thermometer-non contact thermometers which has the ability to measure the temperature using the emitted infrared energy.
- Pulseoximeter– a non invasive tool to measure the amount of oxygen carried in the body.
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Sharp J 60 Air purifier
- Negative Ion Generator Scitech Air-onto provide a more germ free environment for the patients.
- Class B autoclaveto provide a highly effective and safe sterilisation of the instruments.
- Durr High vac suction with large cannula to prevent any spillage of the oral fluids.
- Limiting aerosol generating procedures.
- Increased PPE for staff and patients.
- Mouth rinse before any procedure to reduce any pathogens in the saliva.
- Using of disposable MPT (mouth mirror, probe and tweezers) in case of immunocompromised patients to prevent cross contamination.
- Using of RUBBER DAMS to minimise splatter generation. It may be advantageous to use the rubber dam so that it covers the nose and reduce infection spread.
- Using of extra oral imaging such as panoramic radiography or cone beam CTIis being used to prevent gag reflex associated with intraoral imaging.
- In case of mandated intraoral imaging sensors are double barriered to prevent perforation and cross contamination.
- All kinds of dental impressions are completely disinfected by an intermediate- leveldisinfectant before sending it across to the labs.
Apart from these monetary investments required to practice safe dental procedures , the staff at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Ashok Vihar has been adequately trained to follow proper protocols to ensure minimal risk to patients and the dentist.
Conclusion
Today’s scenario hints at how the virus is here to stay and how as a part of health care providers we have to learn to be friends with the enemy.The team at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic is here to prevent and curb any fear or panic mongering among the patients by communicating with them and thus creating awareness!
