Dr. Dennis Lucas follows CDC, ADA and OSHA guidelines for patient and staff safety
Dr. Dennis Lucas and our team have always focused on patient safety with regard to office and instrument sterilization. We have enhanced our efforts during the coronavirus pandemic with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA).
We pay attention to the smallest of details to ensure your safety, whether you are visiting our office for a regular cleaning, or an advanced cosmetic or restorative dental procedure. We appreciate your patience as we join the Naples, Florida, dental community in navigating these challenging times.
Dental safety precautions were in place prior to the coronavirus
Strict cleanliness and safety guidelines have always been part of our standard operating procedures, well before heightened public awareness came into being during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some of the steps we take for your safety as well as ours:
Hand washing – We wash our hands every time we go into an operatory room to see a patient. There are sinks on both sides of the room to allow Dr. Lucas and his assistants to wash their hands as needed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Dr. Lucas and his assistants always wear PPE when with a patient. This includes masks, eyewear and gloves.
Post-procedure cleaning – We sterilize and disinfect our operatories from top to bottom after each patient, utilizing only EPA-approved sprays and wipes.
Dental instrument sterilization – This multi-step process begins with running all of our instruments through an ultrasonic cleaner. This uses sound waves generated by electrical energy to disrupt the chemical bonds that hold debris onto the instrument surfaces.
Then, we scrub all instruments with antibacterial soap and bag them in sterilization pouches. Finally, we run all instruments through an autoclave, which is a pressure chamber that uses high temperatures to aid in the sterilization process.
We use a cold sterile solution for our non-metal instruments, such as reusable items made of rubber or plastic. These EPA-approved chemicals are ideal for 24-hour immersion.
Regular dental office cleaning – All of our dental equipment goes through rigorous monthly cleaning and testing to ensure proper function and safety. A dental equipment specialist from one of our suppliers performs many of these tasks for us, especially on the more technical equipment. Our entire office receives a thorough cleaning at the end of each week, down to the coffee maker and window treatments.
Dental procedures will resume as soon as possible
We will follow the guidance of the Florida Dental Association in determining when it is safe to resume dental procedures for our Naples, Florida, area patients. Please call us at (239) 262-5851 to schedule a consultation about cosmetic and restorative dentistry options that might be appropriate for your situation.
About Dr. Dennis Lucas – Naples, Florida, dentist
Dr. Dennis Lucas performs cosmetic and restorative dental techniques, as well as traditional preventive dental services for patients in and around Naples, Florida. His combination of expertise, supported by the latest in dental technology and a holistic approach to care, ensures oral health plays a role in his patients’ total healthcare picture. Call (239) 262-5851 to schedule an appointment.
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