Clean air is not just threatened by too many vehicles on the roads or pollution from industrial factories. Although too tiny to be visible by the naked eye, some viruses can actually stay suspended in the air in microscopic particles for a long period of time and infect nearby people. That is why more and more dental offices across New Hampshire and the nation are investing in surgically clean air systems to protect dentists and the patients they serve. As the fight against the coronavirus continues, surgically clean air adds a critical extra layer of protection for dentists and patients alike. Keep reading to learn more about this innovative air purification system and how it can help keep you safe.

The Importance of Clean Air During COVID-19

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one of the primary ways COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets that are produced when a person infected with the disease coughs, sneezes, or talks. New research suggests COVID-19 may also be able to survive as an aerosol, tiny particles that remain suspended in the air.

Both of these possible transmission routes underline the importance of maintaining clean air inside indoor spaces, including dental offices. Many common dental procedures that involve specialized tools like ultrasonic scalers or dental handpieces often produce aerosols.

What Is Surgically Clean Air?

One way dentist’s are going the extra mile to protect their patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is by implementing a surgically clean air system. Surgically clean air purifiers combine HEPA filters with UV light to filtrate 99.998% of volatile chemicals, bacteria and viruses in the air. The air inside a typical dentist’s office with a surgically clean air system can be cleaned and replaced between 6 and 12 times per hour! Patients whose dentists have invested in this high level of protection never have to worry about breathing polluted air or stress about whether coronavirus is lingering in the air during their appointment.  

More COVID-19 Dental Safety Protocols

Installing a surgically clean air system is just one of many changes dentists are making around their offices to keep patients safe and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additional new dental safety protocols may also include:

• Contact-free temperature checks and screening questionnaires upon arrival.
• Fewer chairs in the reception area to allow for proper social distancing.
• No reading material or complimentary beverages in the reception area. This may make the wait a little less exciting – but it is for your safety!
• Personal protection equipment (PPE) for all dental staff. This includes items like face masks, face shields, protective gowns and caps, and gloves.

If you have been wondering if it is safe to return to your dentist in Concord, you can rest easy knowing the above measures – and more – are being closely followed to ensure your health and safety.  

About the Practice

For over 100 years, Concord residents have turned to Generations Dental Care for all their oral care needs. The eight dentists plus staff have recently implemented new dental safety protocols, such as surgically clean air, to ensure every patient’s visit is as safe as possible. To learn more about what to expect during your next visit to Generations Dental Care, visit their website or call 603-225-6331.