COVID-19 Safety in Your Practice « ePractice Manager | Systems for next-level growth

COVID-19 Safety in Your Practice

By ePractice Manager
January 5, 2022

As we enter a new year and the COVID landscape continues to evolve it’s a good idea to revisit your practice’s approach to dealing with this important issue.

Many dental practices we work with report that:

 Information can be difficult to come by, and even what’s found can be inconsistent, inaccurate, or illogical.

 Strains and infection rates are changing rapidly.

 Some of the guidelines are ambiguous.

 Protocols can seem tedious and difficult to uphold over a long duration.

It is understandable that this can create fatigue and frustration.

Remember that the main goal is to keep doctors, staff, visitors and patients safe—which practices have already been doing for a long time.

We recommend you focus on a common-sense approach and the points below, which will improve the participation of others and overall outcomes in your practice.

 Avoid scenarios that involve large numbers of people congregating and sharing food and other items.

 Wear masks in meetings and common areas, in addition to upholding safety protocols for patient care.

 Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.

 Promptly report symptoms and exposure to management, and let management inform others of the need for testing, quarantine or adjustment to work.

 Follow guidelines for vaccination, testing, quarantine and return to work with the assistance of and coordination with management.

At an upcoming huddle or staff meeting, take a moment to thank staff for their efforts to maintain safety for the practice and patients. Acknowledge the challenges, but get across the truest intention of the doctor and management to continue safety measures for the good of all.

Below you will find resources for updated ADA and CDC guidelines. Please remember to also investigate any state specific guidelines that your Governor might have put into place.

ADA: For the most up-to-date ADA information please visit ADA.org/virus.  Please note that the ADA has not issued any new policy changes or updates since July of 2021.

~Screenings of both staff, nonemployee visitors and patients are still necessary. And those with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 should not be permitted to enter the practice.

~Doctors should use their best judgment when making decisions about treating or allowing entry to the practice.

~Hazard assessments are required by OSHA. Practices must have an exposure control plan for COVID-19.  The hazard assessment should be repeated routinely as COVID-19 surges.

CDC: CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population | CDC Online Newsroom | CDC

Quarantine and Isolation: As of December 27, 2021 the CDC has shortened the recommended isolation time from ten days for people with COVID-19 to five days IF asymptomatic, with another five days of mask wearing around all others. The changes for quarantine in those who are unvaccinated (or more than six months out from their initial shots, or two months out from the Johnson and Johnson shot) is five days, with strict mask wearing for an additional five days.  Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine after an exposure, but should wear a mask for ten days after.


Here at ePractice Manager, we understand that running a practice is stressful, which is why we offer a full suite of onboarding, training, and management resources—to help you focus on what matters most, patient care. Sign up for a free consultation today!

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