COVID Safety and Infection Control

Keeping Our Patients and Providers Safe During COVID-19 Reopening

A Note to Parents:

At Flanders Pediatric Dentistry, our priority is the health and safety of our patients, your children.

In light of the COVID-19 virus, we have reevaluated our protocol for all dental procedures.

We believe that the more you know, the better equipped you are to make better choices about your child’s dental care. We want to be as upfront and open about our pediatric coronavirus safety procedures and policies as possible.

Infection Controls and COVID Precautions

During times like the present, the value of rigorous infection controls and universal precautions is most apparent. We all benefit—our patients and their loved ones, our dentists, and our staff. We know that a good and safe practice relies on an element of trust. We encourage you to discuss any concerns you might have with us.

We take the following recommended measures:

• Disinfectant hand soap
• Gloves and face masks
• Chemical disinfection of countertops and surfaces
• Sterilization of all equipment before every use
• Disposable materials

How and what do you sterilize?

To sterilize reusable equipment, such as dental hand pieces, we use a device that kills bacteria and viruses with steam, heat, and pressure.

Is it safe to come back to the dentist?

Yes! At our Flanders NJ office, we pay close attention to all updates and the latest guidance put forth by our federal and state health departments, and we follow a dental safety checklist provided by the AAPD for this re-entry phase. Our team follows procedures recommended by the following agencies:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
• American Dental Association (ADA)
• Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

What will be different as we come back to the dentist?

As pediatric dentists, we’ve always been attentive to germs and cleaning practices because we know that kids are messy, and germs are pervasive. But we’ve increased our infection control practices even more during the pandemic. You’ll notice that we continue to follow social distancing recommendations and screen patients for symptoms, requesting you keep your child home if s/he’s sick. We have hand sanitizer available throughout our facility. Our goal is to help keep you and your child healthy throughout every part of your visit with us.

What can I do to keep my child’s teeth healthy as we come out of the pandemic?

The best thing you can do for your children is help them set up a routine that leads to good oral hygiene habits. No matter the changes your children are experiencing in school or sports as a result of COVID-19, it’s crucial they maintain healthy oral hygiene habits, brushing twice and flossing once daily, drink water instead of soda, juice, and sports drinks, and limit the amounts of sugary snacks they consume.

How can I prepare my child as we return to your office for a pediatric dental visit?

Visiting our office now will most likely be similar to many of the places your child is returning to, now that restrictions are being lifted. We encourage you to wear a mask if you’re not vaccinated and to wash your hands upon arrival and departure. We continue to do a health screening as you enter to ensure safety for all. Remind your child that out chief concern is their safety, and despite some small changes, we are still the same dentist. We want to keep you and your child safe and comfortable first and foremost.

How important is it to maintain my child’s regular cleaning appointments during this transition?

Very! We know how tempting it is to wait another several months, but pediatric dental care is a must. To keep your child’s oral care in tip-top condition, checkups and cleanings are a necessity. We understand your concerns about the risks involved with resuming health care in-person, but you can rest assured that we are meticulous in adhering to all health and safety protocols. We aim to provide the highest level of safe dental care to the children of our community.

Please call us with any questions you have regarding our updated protocol. Flanders Phone Number (973) 927-2260