Pat Langley issues a personal reminder for dental practices amid a new COVID-19 variant.
As someone who recently navigated a COVID-19 infection, I’m keen to share my experience with dental practice teams. If I can help even one person avoid COVID’s clutches, I’ll be happy! My journey with the virus was a stark reminder that we can’t afford to lower our guard, especially with a highly infectious new variant circulating.
I’m aware that as life has more or less returned to normal, it’s easy to become complacent. The turning point for me came when I was preparing for a long-awaited family reunion. I woke up with mild symptoms of a few sniffles and a bit of a cough that I thought were my hayfever. With elderly relatives on the guest list, I decided it would be prudent to take a COVID-19 test as a precaution. To my surprise and dismay, the test came back positive.
Within a day, my mild symptoms were no longer mild, and I fell prey to a continuous cough, sneezing with a constantly running nose, and almost paralysing fatigue. I was so exhausted that even getting out of bed was a struggle. It was two days of misery before I began to see any improvement.
Reflecting on this experience, I reminded myself just how vulnerable we still are to COVID-19, despite vaccinations and previous exposures. The new variant, more transmissible than earlier ones, does not discriminate. Even those who have taken precautions, like me, can find themselves unexpectedly sidelined by this relentless virus.
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How can dentists help?
I am a great believer in the concept of ‘learning to live with COVID-19’, although this comes with some caveats. Dental practices are unique environments where the risk of virus transmission can be higher due to the nature of the work. This has always meant that the role of dental practices in maintaining stringent COVID-19 precautions is crucial.
Throughout the pandemic, dental practices have been exemplary in implementing safety measures such as pre-appointment screenings, enhanced cleaning protocols, PPE, and patient management strategies. These steps have been vital in protecting both patients and team members.
However, with the emergence of new variants, it’s worth taking time to revisit some of the protocols we used at other times of increased transmission.
Continued vigilance
From a personal perspective, having recently experienced the swift and unexpected onset of COVID-19 symptoms, I urge dental practices to continue their vigilance. This isn’t just about protecting yourself or your patients – it’s about safeguarding the community, especially those who are more vulnerable.
For me, the aftermath of the infection has been a mixed bag. While the worst of the physical symptoms passed after a few days, I was left grappling with a lingering fatigue that has made everyday tasks challenging. Thankfully, the brain fog – a common post-COVID-19 symptom – has lifted, but the experience has been a sobering reminder of the virus’s potential long-term impacts.
Dental practices, with their close contact and potential for exposure, are in a unique position to help curb the spread of this new variant. Here are a few recommendations based on current best practices:
1. Continue rigorous screening
Pre-appointment screenings continue to be crucial. Ask patients about symptoms, recent travel (especially to countries where the new variant is spreading quickly), and possible exposure to COVID-19. Use this information to make informed decisions about appointments.
2. Delay appointments for patients with symptoms
If possible it is wise to delay non-urgent appointments until the patient’s symptoms improve or they have a negative COVID-19 test result.
3. Consider enhanced PPE protocols for patients with symptoms
If you have a patient with symptoms who is in urgent need of dental care you should consider using enhanced PPE if they require aerosolgenerating procedures. This means a return to FFP2 or FFP3 face masks, a visor, and possibly a disposable gown.
4. Ensure your ventilation is optimal
Good ventilation can significantly reduce the risk of airborne transmission. If possible, keep windows open and use mechanical ventilation, or use air purifiers with HEPA filters in treatment rooms.
5. Vaccination and boosters
Encourage team members and patients to stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Vaccination remains a critical tool in reducing the severity of the illness.
6. Educate and communicate
Keep team members informed about the latest COVID-19 developments and encourage them to follow protocols both in and out of the workplace. Clear communication with patients about the measures in place can also reassure them and encourage compliance.
The responsibility we share
My recent bout of COVID-19 was a reminder of the virus’s unpredictable nature and the importance of continued vigilance. Dental practices, as critical touchpoints in healthcare, have a responsibility to maintain rigorous safety protocols. By doing so, they not only protect their patients and team members but also contribute to the broader public health effort to contain the virus.
Let’s not forget that while the immediate threat may seem reduced, the virus is still very much with us, especially with the emergence of new, more infectious variants. By staying vigilant and proactive, dental practices can continue to play a pivotal role in our collective fight against COVID-19.
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