At Gold Coast Smiles, we strive to ensure that our patients feel informed about all aspects of their dental care. We are here to make you feel comfortable with your experience. Infection control and safety has always been a top priority for our practice, and you will notice this at any of your visits at our office. All sterilization and asepsis that takes place in our office occurs in the office's sterilization unit as well as treatment rooms, both of which are designed to be in plain view of anyone coming in to receive treatment. This enables our patients to see for themselves the measures we take to ensure our commitment to cleanliness and safety. We leave nothing to the imagination. Our infection controls processes are transparent and made so that when you receive care, it's both safe and comfortable.
Our office follows infections control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). We follow the activities of these agencies so that we are well informed and up to date on the latest guidelines and findings. In most instances, however, our office places additional protocols and measures in place that exceed the accepted standards of most other dental offices:
In light of the latest global developments and so we can adapt to new and evolving times, we have fully researched the latest technologies being used to prevent disease transmission and provide you a safe, infection free environment. In addition to adhering to all OSHA mandated infection control protocols listed above, we have gone above and beyond to ensure safe dentistry is being offered. Our standard infection control and sterilization protocols will now also include the following:
Medical Grade HEPA Air Filtration - Every treatment room is now equipped with medical grade H13 Hight-Efficiency Particulate Air filtration units capable of cleaning and exchanging air in each room every 15 minutes. These air purifiers are able to sterilize and inactivate viruses, bacteria, and mold spores. They are each tested and certified to remove 99.97% of particles in the air down to as small as 0.1 micron in size.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - All clinical team members have had their PPE upgraded. N95 respirators will be the standard as well as new disposable gowns will be worn. Face shields have also been procured for use by the clinical team. These steps are intended to protect both the patient and the clinical team.
Non-Contact Infrared Thermometers - All team members and patients will have their temperature taken upon arrival with a non-contact thermometer and will sign an attestation that they are not experiencing symptoms. Any patients or team members showing signs of any type of illness regardless of the presence of symptoms will be asked to go home immediately and appropriate measures taken.
UV Light Sterilization - We are now also utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UV-C, in addition to our already rigorous sterilization protocols between patients and after closing. This is commonly used in hospital settings for broad spectrum sterilization of rooms and PPE.
If you are looking for a dental provider you can trust with your health and well-being, look no further than Gold Coast Smiles. Our office's reputation for outstanding care and cleanliness precedes itself in the many 5 star reviews and real patient testimonials awarded to us over the years. We are confident you will not find a safer, cleaner office for your dental care needs than ours.