Safety Measures

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Safety Measures

Star Care Dental’s Commitment to Safety Measures

As an industry, dentistry has served as a beacon for other industries to follow in terms of the adoption of safety protocols, infection control, and preventive and protective measures. So, long before the pandemic reared its head, the safety of our patients played the starring role at Star Care Dental.

Now more than ever, the health care community and the overall public understand the importance and implications of having adequate controls in place to minimize exposure. Along with her team, Dr. Hema Nair has taken measures to sustain patient health and to take safety to the next level. We have highlighted some of these actions below. They play an instrumental role in our normal standard of care, and often exceed the guidelines that have been established for dental practices by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the American Dental Association, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

We know that you have come to expect a warm and friendly yet professional experience at our office. We are balancing these attributes, which have kept you coming back to our office, with the additional requirements that will only make our practice and industry stronger. If you have any questions regarding some of the measures that we have taken in 2020, and will no doubt continue to make in 2021 as needed, we welcome them! As your partners in health, there is nothing more important to us than your peace of mind and overall wellbeing. We want to support you through challenging times. So, we can emerge on the other side of the pandemic stronger, together.

Staff Training

Training takes center stage

From the front desk to the treatment room, all staff members have demonstrated their knowledge of COVID-19 awareness, prevention, and preparedness.

Championing for your family’s health

Championing for your family’s health

So, no stone is left unturned, we’ve evolved as a team by designating one member of our staff as the safety “guide.” Each day, a new member of the team is tasked with greeting visitors, responding to questions and concerns, assuring a safe, social distance is maintained, and overall monitoring responsibilities.

Internal health checks, every day

Internal health checks, every day

“Contactless” checks of each member of the Star Care Dental team’s temperatures are taken. Our staff also answers a set of questions to ensure the team is able to safely provide care to patients. These steps are taken, day in and day out.

Access control

Access control

We’ve always been happy to show off our state-of-the-art dental practice to visitors. However, these and other non-clinical or unscheduled visits will have to wait for now. That will make tours all the more satisfying on the other side of the pandemic. For a little more insight into our office amenities at a safe distance, take a “virtual tour” on this website!

Exceptional personal hygiene

Exceptional personal hygiene

Of course, this is not new to our team. But we are keenly aware of the importance of, for example, keeping fingernails trimmed short, and not wearing watches or jewelry that could pose exposure risks. Also, in the past, you may have seen us at the nearby Target or Wegmans in our stylish scrubs. Nowadays, we change in and out of fresh and clean scrubs at the office each workday.

Specialized anti-microbial products

Specialized anti-microbial products

We go above and beyond to prepare patients for safe visits. After brushing and flossing, we’ll provide you with products such as OraCare rinse. Swish the product around in your mouth for one minute to minimize bacteria and other pathogens.

Our lobby goes “virtual”

Our lobby goes “virtual”

As soon as you get to our parking lot, you’ll call our main office to “check-in” for your appointment. This critical step helps to reduce contact with other patients by bypassing traditionally high-traffic areas and situations.

Staggered scheduling

Staggered scheduling

Many organizations are taking the all-important step of strategically sequencing appointments. In this manner, the risks of patients encountering each other is reduced. We know this means that we are not seeing as many patients each day. However, each patient’s safety is paramount. By booking this way, we build in more time for patients to come and go, and for thorough cleaning between each appointment. With more time for personal attention, we may even suggest completing additional treatments in one visit. This approach further saves you time and reduces exposure.

Patient screening

Patient screening

Just as we do with our staff each day, visitors should expect to have their temperature taken in a touchless fashion. We’ll also ask you a few questions about your health and related items to make sure your visit is safe for everyone.

Coordinated family visits

Coordinated family visits

We at Star Care Dental have always taken pride in our convenient appointments. We are among those rare offices that is open throughout the business week. During these stressful and particularly busy times, we’re able to coordinate visits with family members at the same time. Think of it as “concierge” care – your family has the entire office to yourself!

Dedicated hours for high-risk patients

Dedicated hours for high-risk patients

We’ve borrowed a page from the grocery stores (or maybe they emulated us?). Like essential retailers, we have set aside dedicated hours exclusively to patients who are in at-risk groups; for instance, seniors and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.

HOSPITAL-GRADE equipment

HOSPITAL-GRADE equipment

Patients will disinfect their hands at our sophisticated sanitization station prior to treatment. We also use the CDC-approved sterilization of instruments. This is not a new measure, by any means. Between every use, any tools that have been placed near your mouth are thoroughly heat- and pressure-cleaned. The air circulated through our office has never been cleaner, thanks to the addition of HEPA-grade filters to our HVAC system. High-speed suction chairside also helps to minimize one of the biggest threats in the dental office: contaminated aerosols.

SUPERIOR PROTECTIVE GEAR

SUPERIOR PROTECTIVE GEAR

Double-masking is a “must” for our clinical care team: doctors, assistants, and hygienists.  Our administrative team is also protected, and protects you, with high-performance facial masks. Additionally, you’ll see our clinicians wearing FDA-approved PET face shields. Disposable protective hats, coats, and shoe coverings also add another layer of protection from the spread of dangerous airborne particles. Don’t worry; we’re smiling and thrilled to see you behind all those masks and coverings!

A safer welcome

A safer welcome

In addition to new check-in protocols, we’ve invested in ultra-clean chairs and furnishings in our reception area, as well as helpful signage and reminders to maintain one-way traffic and encourage six-foot distancing. You won’t find often-touched magazines or devices to pass the time in our waiting area anymore. But the more we can do to minimize overlooked exposure points, the better off you and your family will be from a health and safety standpoint.

We look forward to seeing you and your family again. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about our new safety measures, or have specific questions about your situation.