COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way dentistry will be practiced across the globe. ‘32 Smile Stone Dental Clinic’ has always maintained high sterilization standards, hygiene and quality protocols. We have now further enhanced our safety protocols to ensure that all threats from any external sources are eliminated. Dental services at our center are now ready and open to patients with 100% safety. Kindly contact the following numbers for any emergency follow ups: +91-9810303387 , +91-9999060619 . The following specific changes are now implemented in our dental practice.

Patients are now required to make appointments prior to visiting our clinic and no walk-ins are encouraged. This ensures that our clinic is not crowded and proper social distancing can be maintained. Patient records are stored in a highly secured and encrypted electronic system. The records can be accessed by our dentists. Appointments can be booked by calling +91-9810303387. All appointments are now spaced sixty minutes apart to give ample time to completely disinfect and sterilize the dental operatories. This also allows dentists, assistants and support staff to change into clean sterilized PPE’s and be ready for the next patient.

Patient’s medical and any travel history are taken before booking appointment. Tentative consultation charges are shared with the patient on phone. The patient can speak to the dentist prior if they have any concerns about their visit or medical history.

Temperature checks using infrared thermometer is done at the entrance for every patient and staff to ensure that they are feeling ok. The readings documented in the patient’s chart on every visit and for the staff in the office register.

Patients are explained what to expect upon arrival as per the new protocols stated by the CDC, ADA and IDA. Self-declaration Covid-19 forms are available to sign upon arrival to the clinic. Patients are informed to carry their own pen for the any documents that require their signature. No attendant is allowed inside the clinic unless the patient is a minor/ senior citizen and requires assistance to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Patients must wear a mask before entering the clinic. They are asked to follow hand hygiene for 20 seconds and wear fresh gloves which are given to them upon entrance. Gloves are to be worn throughout the time the patient is inside the clinic. Hand sanitizers are kept in several locations to disinfect their gloves/hands at regular intervals.

Dentists and assistants all wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). These not only ensure staff safety but also eliminate any risk of cross contamination. These include sterilized gloves, surgeon’s cap, N95/KN95 masks and a 3ply over-mask. Medical grade googles or face shields are used as an added protection to avoid splashes. Certified and disposable aprons of high 100gsm are worn as a protective barrier and these are changed between patients.

At ‘32 Smile Stone Clinic’, we have always followed a strict sterilization protocol (not just due to Covid-19). An attentive 4 step sanitization process is followed for every patient to ensure 100% sanitization of instruments and materials.

• Dipping the instruments for a minimum of 30 minutes in the disinfecting solution.

• Next the instruments are put in an ultrasonic bath which uses high frequency sound waves to remove any remaining micro-elements.

• Then the instruments are sealed in pouches and autoclaved in a ClassB sterilization machine to achieve 100% sterilization.

• The sterilized instrument pouches are finally stored in ultra-violet chambers prior to their usage.

• All surfaces of the dental chair including the chair seat, light handle, instrument tray, arm rest, movable handles and foot control are cleaned using surface disinfectants.

• All dental chair tubings are flushed with DURR disinfectant solution. Spittoon is cleaned with disinfectant followed by clean water after each patient.

• Sanitization of x-ray units, RVG sensors, intra-oral cameras, light-curing units is done before and after each patient. Disposable double barriers are used in all of the above so avoid cross contamination.

• Laptop, keyboard and mouse are covered with cling film and changed for every patient.

Surface disinfection of all door knobs, handles, sofa seats, table surfaces, waiting areas is routinely done. Hand sanitization solution bottles are readily available at the entrance, waiting areas and washrooms. Patient movement is limited inside the clinic and areas demarcated for both the patients and the dentist.

‘32 Smile Stone Dental Clinic’ has always worked with the government regulations to dispose bio-medical waste. The policy ensures that all soiled PPE material and sharpies are disposed as per WHO & CDC guidelines.

After examining the standard operating protocols and advisories, we have established enhanced safety protocols to fight against Covid-19. These safety protocols will ensure a sterile environment in our dental clinic and eliminate cross contamination between patients. We at ‘32 Smile Stone Dental Clinic’ are committed to serve your dental problems during these difficult times. Call +91-9810303387 for booking dental appointments or any concerns.