At the Elm Tree Dental Clinic our priority is providing the patient and our team with a clean, safe, and pleasant working environment.

Here is an overview of the enhanced screening measures and PPE we put in place when we reopened after the COVID-19 closure:

• We double-screened all our patients before appointments.

• Patients who may have been COVID-19 Positive were rescheduled.

• Everyone was being brought in from their cars by a staff member into our screening area, where we checked temperature and pulse oxygen and then did a medical review

• Everyone used hand sanitizer before and after their appointment, and rinsed with antiviral solution

• We used visors, caps, respirator masks, gowns and arm covers especially for higher risk procedures.

• We had plexiglass barriers at our reception for patient protection. We escorted patients into the office, and out the front, and decontaminated all touched surfaces every time.

Air Filter and Exchange System for Aerosol Reduction

Good airflow and clean air is essential to prevent disease transmission.

We have always had an advanced air cleaning system. Our entire office is equipped with a high volume air exchange system and HEPA filter and UV sterilizer which replaces the air every hour. This assures constant clean fresh air supply, and removes aerosol, bacteria, viruses, mercury vapour, chemicals etc. We have also always had an added extra-powerful suction unit to catch aerosol and particles used in certain procedures, and we have a very strong evacuation fan in our main treatment room, for the cleanest possible air. We can also open windows in all our treatment rooms for more airflow.

Waterline Sterilization

Waterlines in the operatory are on a sealed system, and we run sterile ozonated water from our water ozonating system. The waterlines are cleaned and tested regularly to ensure they are sterile. This protects us from bacteria and viruses in aerosols.

Instrument Sterilization and Infection Control

All our dental instruments are heat, steam, and pressure sterilized in 3 state-of-the-art Statim autoclaves after each use. Our sterilization is tested on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating properly. Our instruments are of course delivered in sealed packages from the sterilizer. We have not only met but exceeded the most stringent guidelines from the Ministry of Health.

Surface Disinfection

All exposed horizontal surfaces in the operatory are disinfected between each patient, using environmentally friendly, biodegradable but highly effective Micrylium (R) Green products. These are the lowest toxicity to staff and paitents, but very effective against bacteria and viruses. We also use safe peroxide-based surface disinfectants, and anti-viral Ozone water to clean surfaces.

Surface Barrier Protection

You will notice that we have disposable plastic wrap on all contact surfaces which are changed between patients, and our cupboards, drawers and taps are all hands-free operated to avoid contamination.

Digital X-Rays and Radiation Safety

Our all-digital x-ray units and second-generation digital sensors require very little radiation to be emitted. Instead of film and chemicals, a tiny digital sensor is used, which sends the image directly to the computer. The x-ray exposure is about one quarter that of F-speed film or 90% less than the Ultraspeed film used in the early 1990s. There are no hazardous chemicals to send for recycling with the digital system. New for 2012- We use a rectangular collimator- a simple device that cuts down xray scatter exposure by a further 75% but is not commonly used in other offices as it requires greater technical accuracy.

New for 2006, we now have a digital Panoramic X-ray unit too. This lets us get a general view of the whole mouth with one lower exposure x-ray. Combine this with the use of a lead apron and thyroid collar, and taking only the very minimal amount of x-rays that are required for an accurate diagnosis and treatment planning all ensure a minimal exposure to radiation.

Our equipment is tested on a regular basis. Our operatory walls and cabinets are lead-lined to prevent any unnecessary x-ray exposure to patients and staff.

Mercury Reduction

When silver-mercury amalgam fillings are removed, mercury particles and vapours can be released. We take precautions to protect our patients and ourselves. We use silicone dam isolation, auxiliary suction, copious water flow, HEPA filter and air exchange, We also have oxygen via nose mask for the patients. We have state-of-the-art mercury capture systems in our suction, so it does not leach into the environment.