Appointments

COVID-19 Information

As the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve we know that you may have questions and concerns about how it may affect your dental care in Dripping Springs, Texas. We have put together some resources and helpful links to provide some guidance during this time.

Please watch the video below to familiarize yourself with our new office protocols.

You can learn more about COVID-19, and what you can do to protect yourself and others in the links below:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)

If you have further questions or need to schedule an emergency dental appointment, please contact our office at 512-858-7200.

 

COVID-19 PROCEDURES (5-1-2020)

 

Dripping Springs Healthy Smiles, PLLC (Heather H. Bobb, DDS, FICOI and all employees) shall abide by the following procedures and safety protocols, effective immediately. Guidelines are in accordance with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 22 TAC 108.7 and amendments related to COVID-19, CDC (Center for Disease Control) and ADA (American Dental Association®) recommendations.

MINIMUM STANDARD OF CARE:

Dripping Springs Healthy Smiles, PLLC shall continue to follow general standard of care as outlined by 108.7 and 108.8. Included in this standard but not limited to maintaining patient records, initial medical and physical exam, taking blood pressure and pulse/heart rate on patients 12 years and older, and updating medical history and limited physical exam at least annually.

FOR OFFICE EMERGENCIES:

Dripping Springs Healthy Smiles, PLLC shall continue to follow standard of care for office emergencies as outlined by 108.7 and 108.8. Included in this standard but not limited to having positive pressure oxygen in working order, keeping emergency kit up to date, current on BLS training, signed consents obtained before proceeding with treatment, abide by sanitation requirements and safeguarding against avoidable infections.

COVID-19 PROTCOLS:

    • PHYSICAL CHANGES

 

      1. HEPA filters with UV light have been added to all operatories and at the front desk.
      2. Accordion doors will be added to separate the operatories
      3. The reception area and treatment rooms have been cleared of non-work-related items. (All magazines, reading materials and objects not easily disinfected have been removed.)
      4. Plexi-glass will be installed at front.
      5. Signs installed in office for instructing DHCP and patients on standard recommendations for respiratory hygiene (cough etiquette), social distancing and hand washing protocol.
      6. Displayed CDC COVID-19, hand washing protocol and cough etiquette.

 

    • ALL DENTAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS (DHCP)

 

      1. If DHCP is experiencing any flu-like symptoms, fever of 100.3 or been in direct unprotected contact with any positive COVID-19 patient, the DHCP should not report to work.
      2. ALL DHCP should self-monitor by remaining alert to any respiratory symptoms (e.g. shortness of breath, sore throat, cough) and check and record their temperatures twice a day, regardless of presence of symptoms.
      3. We updated OSHA and HIPAA training on 4-29-2020
      4. DHCP will follow proper hand washing protocols.
      5. DHCP will wear PPE (personal protective equipment). PPE include wearing a jacket or gown, an N-95 or KN-95 masks, eye protection and a face shield when within 6 feet of a patient and during all procedures involving aerosols.
      6. DHCP will follow respiratory etiquette (cough etiquette).
      7. DHCP will follow sharps safety, safe injection practices, sterilization and disinfection guidelines. All instruments are sterilized, and all surfaces are cleaned and disinfected between patients.
      8. DHCP will adhere to standard sequence of donning and doffing PPE.
      9. DHCP should change from scrubs and PPE to personal clothing before returning home. Scrubs, head covering, jackets, etc. will be cleaned at the office.
      10. DHCP will be, have been and will continue to be updated on COVID-19 protocols for our office.

 

    • BEFORE TREATMENT

 

      1. Patients will be asked the ADA Patient Screening Form questions. If patient is deemed at risk, they will be asked to delay treatment, if possible.
      2. Patients will be asked the ADA Patient Screening Form questions and their temperatures will be taken. If patient has temp of 100.3 or higher, they will be asked to reschedule.
      3. Patients will be notified that they may not bring a companion to their appointment unless the patient requires assistance (e.g. pediatric patients, elderly patients, special needs patients, etc.). The companions will also be screened, and temperatures will be taken.
      4. We will schedule patients to minimize possible contact.
      5. The patient will call when he or she arrives and stay in his or her vehicle. The DHCP will ask them the ADA screening questions and get their car description.
      6. The DHCP will take their temperature. If patient has temp of 100.3 or higher, they will be asked to reschedule. If his or her temp is below 100.3, the DHCP will escort them into the office, where they will sanitize their hands and go to the treatment room.

 

    • DURING DENTAL TREATMENT

 

    1. Patient may be asked to pre-rinse with 1.5% H2O2.
    2. DHCP will complete treatment of one patient before leaving treatment area and going on to another patient.
    3. DHCP shall use hand instruments and low speed polishing for hygiene services.
    4. DHCP should use dental isolation and high vacuum suction if an aerosol-producing procedure is being performed.
    5. DHCP will reschedule and collect payment practicing safe social distancing practices.
    6. The DHCP will instruct patients to contact the office if they experience COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days after the dental appointment.
    7. Patients will be escorted out to minimize risk of contact with others.