Unfortunately the world is going through a tough situation due to Covid 19. We hope everyone will come out of it soon. However there are some good news from a few states where they could control the infection. Life is getting back to normal and the clinics are allowed to open.
For most of us, it’s a new experience like the pandemic, lock down, etc. The reopening is also different, it’s not like opening after a vacation. Precaution is very important since there is no medicine available for the virus.
Let me try to put all the important points that you should consider while or before opening the dental clinic.
1. Implement the control protocol
Be strict on using all protective equipments such as gloves, masks, Glasses, Gowns PPE etc based on the disease control protocol. If anyone is not wearinig, warn them and make sure everyone follows the protocol. Make routine check on protocol changes.
2. Check the dental clinic layout
There should have enough distance between the dental chairs, amble space in reception desk, The number of seats at the waiting area should be reduced and the distance should be increased. All the shareable materials should be removed like the magazines, news papers, TV remote, water dispenser etc.
There is a great chance to transmit the disease through paper records in the clinic. The records usually handled by many people, sometimes the patient too. So the best practice is to avoid all paper system and implement a good dental practice management software.
4. Give training to the staff members and conduct mock drills
Before starting the practice give a proper training to all the staff including the front office, dentists , support staff, Insurance desk, cleaning staff, security etc. Coduct mock drills and find out loop holes. Try to create different environments of patient behavior and movements inside the clinics. Put restrictions wherever possible.
5. Inform the patient and give proper appointment, no walk ins. Give all info on working
If you are ready to reopen your practice, inform the patient in advance. If the patient needs a treatment, give them a proper appointment with firm date and time. This will avoid the crowd in the clinic and helps to keep the social distancing.
6. Keep all numbers for emergency contacts
The dental practice should have all emergency numbers ready such as health ministry numbers, police, fire force, Local body etc to call in case of emergency.
7. Listen to the latest news and ministry notifications
It is important to listen to the news, government notifications, etc to understand and update the practice style.
- Listen to the latest news and ministry notifications
8. Provide emergency treatment and decrease man power
It is suggested to provide only emergency treatments and avoid patient rush. It is also important to keep the staff count low
9. Encourage digital payments and payment relaxations
It is better to avoid the cash transaction. Encourage the patients to make payments via online medium such as Google pay, PayTM etc. Also put a restriction on card payments since it involves physical touches. Since the patients are also going through the tough time, the clinic may think about giving EMI option or payment relaxations for the big amounts.
10. Allow only one bystander
Make it clear to all the patients that only one by stander is allowed inside the dental clinic. It is important for social distancing
11. Encourage mask and use of sanitizer to patients
Make it standard for everyone to wear masks and use sanitizers, including the patients.
12. Stop all unnecessary expenditures
Everyone is going through an uncertain situation. It is advisable to restrict the expenditure and not invest heavily on clinics
