University of Florida College of Dentistry Covid-19 Preventive Measures

University of Florida College of Dentistry Covid-19 Preventive Measures

J.- F. Roulet, Gainesville

Create Safe Environment for All

In the college of Dentistry patient treatment and clinical teaching were resumed during the Covid-19 pandemic after adjusting to the higher risk to create a safe environment for all: the patients, the care taker and the teaching faculty.

Training:
Everybody had to pass mandatory trainings to ensure that all new rules were known.

Pre screen patients and disinfecting mouthrinse:
Prior to any appointment the patients are contacted by phone and prescreend regarding covid-symptoms and–contacts. Furthermore before any treatment the patients are required to rinse with a hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 seconds

Testing and vaccinating all care takers (students and faculty):
Initially everybody with symptoms got tested, Later, when sufficient tests were available everybody could get tested any time. Students got tested when they came back to the campus. Once vaccines were available all health care takers,including teaching faculty were vaccinated.

Enforcing masks:
On campus everybody must wear a face mask.

Enforcing social distancing:
Inside and outside social  distancing is enforced with markers on the floors, occupation limits/room (eg elevators, laboratories etc.)

Personal protection
For personal protection, the care takers have to strictly follow the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC): Gowns, caps, face masks (double), face shields, gloves etc.

Defined protocols
For setting up operatories for treatment, during treatment, and for cleaning after the treatment strict protocols are enforced. Students are working in pairs or groups to enable them to reduce aerosol generation.

‍

Single treatment rooms with air control (HEPA-filter) and increased suction.
The treatment rooms, originally being divided into open boxes were converted into closed single treatment rooms to eliminate aerosol contamination from box to box. Furthermore, air circulators with HEPA filters were installed in every single treatment room to enhance the air circulation and filter out the aerosols. Additional air suction operated by the assistant decreased the aerosols released into the ambient air.

‍

‍

‍

‍