Unfortunately, the world is going through a tough situation due to Covid 19. We hope everyone will come out of it soon. However, there is 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, lockdown, 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 equipment such as gloves, masks, Glasses, Gowns PPE etc based on the disease control protocol. If anyone is not wearing, warn them and make sure everyone follows the protocol. Make routine checks 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.
3. Use a dental practice management software and completely avoid paper
There is a great chance to transmit the disease through paper records in the clinic. The records are usually handled by many people, sometimes the patient too. So the best practice is to avoid all paper systems and implement good dental practice management software.
4. Give training to the staff members and conduct mock drills
Before starting the practice give proper training to all the staff including the front office, dentists, support staff, Insurance desk, cleaning staff, security, etc. Conduct mock drills and find out loopholes. Try to create different environments for patient behavior and movements inside the clinics. Put restrictions wherever possible.
5. Inform the patient and give a 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 treatment, give them a proper appointment with a firm date and time. This will avoid the crowd in the clinic and help 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 bodies, 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 mediums 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 a tough time, the clinic may think about giving EMI options or payment relaxations for the big amounts.
10. Allow only one bystander
Make it clear to all the patients that only one bystander is allowed inside the dental clinic. It is important for social distancing
11 . Encourage masks and the use of sanitizer for 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