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 Written by Dr. Miguel Troiano, Argentina

The goal of these measures is to protect us all. They will allow us to manage better in the current scenario. PANIC paralyzes us. Dental assistance under these circumstances requires to further increase the clinic organization by EDUCATING staff and patients.

These recommendations have been designed to provide care in cases of extreme urgency, pain, infections, trauma, tumors, which we, as health professionals, must perform. It is not the idea to work conventionally. The PREMISE is "STAY AT HOME".

By following them, we protect our patients, our team, our families and ourselves. It is a matter of solidarity, education and social behavior.

RECEIVING PATIENTS AT THE CLINIC

• Upon entering the clinic, spray shoes’ sole with disinfectant, then shoe covers will be placed, as usual.
• Patients should attend the clinic unaccompanied.
• Proceed to do a 60-second hand wash as indicated by the WHO. Then, apply alcohol gel on forearms and hands.
• Patients warm clothes will remain in a special area of ​​the clinic. Staff will spray them with antiseptic (based on alcohol 70% and distilled water 30%) and proceed to put on a protective surgical gown on the patient. Rinse for 1 minute with 10% hydrogen peroxide diluted in distilled water: 40% hydrogen peroxide and 60% distilled water.
• Patients who have been in places where there are important outbreaks will reschedule their appointment for 14 days.
• Anyone who has a family member with viral activity will reschedule their schedule for 14 days.
• Avoid physical contacts.
• Patients 65 years of age and older should postpone scheduled treatments WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Only attend to issues of pain or infections, that is, REAL EMERGENCIES.

 CLINIC STAFF

• Hand hygiene in accordance with WHO recommendations and alcohol gel. Protective glasses, surgical gowns and gloves for any practice.
• Surgical mask. Place and remove outside the office, discarding it in an appropriate place. THE SURGICAL MASKS MUST BE REPLACED EVERY 2 HOURS WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
• Hand washing when finishing each practice. Cleaning the dental unit with chlorinated antiseptic solutions (place 100 ml of household bleach in 10 liters of water).
• Constant cleaning of the work table in each office, door handles at the exit of each patient. THE VIRUS IS INACTIVE IN 5 MINUTES WITH DISINFECTANTS OF HABITUAL USE, EVEN DOMESTIC BLEACH.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

• Constant cleaning of desks in each office, door handles at the exit of each patient.
• Clean computer keyboards with antiseptics or a disposable paper moistened with alcohol. Do it no less than twice a day.
•  The administrative staff can also use a face mask, according to their needs.
• It is recommended that each employee have their utensils, and once lunch is finished wash them very well. Keep more than a meter away and ventilate by opening windows.
• Anyone with symptoms of a cough, cold, fever, and difficulty breathing, should consult the family doctor.
• Warm clothes should be left at the reception.
• Remove magazines from the waiting room.

CLEANING STAFF

• Cleaning personnel will use appropriate personal protective equipment for the prevention of infections by microorganisms transmitted by drops and by contact, including: a waterproof gown, a face mask, gloves, full-frame eye protection and will wash hands frequently.
• Clean stair and rails 4 - 5 times a day.
• Thoroughly clean bathrooms, including external surfaces of liquid soaps. Remove the trash every day.

RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PUBLIC

•  Anyone with symptoms of a cough, cold, fever and shortness of breath should consult their family doctor.
• Remember that the entry of the bacteria is through the eyes and respiratory tract (nose and mouth). It does not penetrate through the skin, but is deposited in it, which is why HAND WASHING IS SO IMPORTANT.
• Be very careful with doorknobs, public transportation, railings and public toilets. Ventilate rooms regularly.
• Avoid leaving the house to attend social gatherings, work (as determined), school (as determined), houses of worship, public transportation, health care facilities, sporting events, restaurants, and other public gatherings. Home visits should also be avoided.
•  Avoid situations where you could come into close contact with other people (face to face within 2 meters).
• Dishes, glasses, silverware, towels, pillows, or other items should not be shared with others in the home. After using these items, they should be thoroughly washed. Especially for patients over 65 years old.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing or use your elbow.
• It is not necessary to use face mask while the person is asymptomatic. It is recommended for those people who contract the disease.