- What are my dentist’s coronavirus infection control procedures?
- What is coronavirus?
- Take steps to protect yourself against infection
- Get the most accurate information on COVID-19
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, protecting the health and well-being of our patients, staff, and the local community has always been our highest priority.
That’s why we want to assure our patients that we are closely monitoring new developments surrounding COVID-19, and are complying with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines as they become available.
To provide you with the most sterile dental environment possible, Yonge Eglinton Dental is compliant with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario Infection Protection and Control (IPAC) Guidelines in our office, including:
- Completely disinfecting treatment rooms: Before we show you into the examination room, we perform a rigorous disinfection of all surfaces, including the dental chair, countertops, and drawer handles.
- Washing hands: Our dentists and dental hygienists always wash their hands at the beginning of the day, before putting on gloves, and after touching something that could be contaminated.
- Using disposable equipment: Items such as masks, gloves, water tubes, cups, and needles are only used once and then disposed of. Because patient examinations and procedures involve direct contact with tissue and bodily fluids, we always wear non-latex gloves, which are also thrown away after each use.
- Following strict sterilization procedures: Another important part of infection control is sterilizing dental instruments between every patient to destroy all forms of microbial life and prevent the transmission of diseases.
- Immediate disposal of contaminated items: Anything contaminated with blood or saliva is immediately discarded in special containers with safety lids. Sharp items that cannot be sterilized, such as needles, are disposed of in special puncture-resistant containers.
- Providing an abundance of hand sanitizers: Keeping your hands clean is one of the most effective ways to keep viruses at bay. You’re welcome to use the hand sanitizers we keep at the front desk and in every treatment room to stay clean and sterilized.
- Being proactive with our own health: We care about the health of our staff too, while recognizing that the best way to combat the spread of any virus is to stay home. That’s why we instruct our staff that if they’re feeling unwell to visit their doctor, follow their instructions, and not return to the office until all symptoms have passed. Another of our dental professionals will be happy to step in and look after you if your usual dentist or dental hygienist is out sick.
If you’re a new or current patient of Yonge Eglinton Dental and are experiencing any flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms (listed below), please call our office to reschedule your appointment. We’ll be happy to accommodate your needs while you rest and recover from your illness.
We also encourage you to contact your primary healthcare provider or local public health office to seek professional medical assessment, advice, and treatment. Also, consider wearing a mask when out in public, avoid large crowds, refrain from greeting friends and family with hugs, kisses, handshakes, and other close-contact greetings, and stay home until your symptoms pass.
What is coronavirus?
According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus is a family of infections that attack the human respiratory system. Severity can vary from the simple common cold to more dangerous illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
COVID-19 is a new variant of coronavirus that has never been diagnosed in humans before. People infected with COVID-19 might believe they just have a cold or the flu because of COVID-19’s flu-like symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Pneumonia in both lungs
Severe cases of coronavirus can result in pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure, and even death.
How can I protect myself against coronavirus?
At this time, Health Canada deems the public health risk among the general population within Canada as relatively low. There is increased risk of infection among individuals over 65, those with compromised immune systems, and people with underlying medical conditions.
However, WHO has recently assessed COVID-19 as a pandemic. This means that the public health risk within Canada could change at any time, so we should still take steps to protect ourselves from catching and possibly transmitting the disease.
To prevent being infected with coronavirus or other respiratory illnesses, health officials advise regular hand washing with soap and warm water, covering your mouth with your upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact or shaking hands with people showing signs of respiratory illness.
Also, thoroughly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home such as toys, countertops, and door handles.
Health Canada also recommends planning ahead in case of illness or staying home in the event of an outbreak by stocking up on easily prepared food such as:Â
- Dried pasta and sauce
- Prepared canned soups
- Canned vegetables, and beans
- Tea
It’s also a good idea to stock up on toilet paper and facial tissue, as well as pet food, feminine hygiene products, and children’s diapers for households that require them. They also ask us to buy responsibly, not in panic.
Get the most accurate information on COVID-19
To stay updated on the latest information on COVID-19 and other infectious diseases, be sure to check the Public Health Ontario or Health Canada websites for accurate, up-to-date information, and avoid following media reports and social media if they cause you anxiety.
As always, your team at Yonge Eglinton Dental is here for you, so call us if you have any questions about how we can support your COVID-19 concerns during your dental visit.
Coronavirus Infection Control at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
We might specialize in dentistry, but we’re also concerned with your overall well-being. That’s why we strive to provide a clean, sanitized environment to ensure your comfort and protect your health. You should never be afraid of visiting the dentist, even during times of uncertainty like these.
If you have any questions about a particular dental condition, or have any concerns about your overall oral health, give Yonge Eglinton Dental a call today at 416-932-2222 or visit us online to book an appointment. We’d love to see you!
