The Mark Dental Group Covid-19 Safety Plan
Protocols implemented to reduce risk of transmission
First Level Protection- Physical Distancing
We have limited the use of the waiting room by having patients text the office upon arrival and seating them right away upon entry.
Lunch room is limited to 2 people while maintaining 6’ distance between staff. Occupancy limits are posted
Patients are asked to come alone to appointments when possible to reduce the number of people in the office
Waiting area is modified to allow physical distancing in reception area. Staff meetings are held virtually
Second Level Protection- Barriers and Partitions
Barriers have been installed at the front desk and between operatories
Third Level Protection- Administrative Guidelines
Rules and guidelines have been implemented through staff training and signage
On top of our rigorous infection control policies already in place, staff are trained to clean and disinfect high touch surfaces between patients
Fourth Level Protection- PPE
Surgical masks, gowns and face shields
Staff have been fit tested for N95 masks
Laundry machines have been installed to wash surgical gowns
Staff have been trained in the use of masks and also in donning/doffing protective equipment Date: May 22, 2020
Cleaning and Hygiene Protocols
Hand washing stations are supplied with soap and alcohol based hand sanitizer. They are visible and easily accessed
Staff are trained to wash their hands frequently as well as covering coughs and sneezes
Cleaning protocols for all common areas and surfaces are established with high frequency
Staff training is provided for application of cleaning products
Receptionists are responsible for cleaning common areas and high touch areas between patients
Operatories are sanitized fully between patients by clinical staff
Lab and sterilization areas are frequently sanitized by clinical staff
Patients are encouraged to use hand sanitizer
Workplace Policies
Policy is developed that staff are to stay home when sick. Staff are screened upon entry to work each day with a questionnaire and temperature check
Lunch times are staggered to allow physical distancing
Ventilation system is measured and adjusted to increase the amount of outdoor air used
Policies ensure that workers, patients and others that show symptoms of Covid-19 are prohibited from entering the workplace
Visitors are prohibited or limited in the workplace
Patient appointments are staggered to allow physical distancing when entering and leaving
Patients are encourage to reschedule if they are sick
Floor is marked with stickers to indicate where patients should stand
Patient’s temperatures are taken upon arrival to ensure they do not have a fever. They are asked to go home if they have any Covid-19 symptoms
Contactless methods of transactions are used for payments as much as possible
Staff meetings are held virtually
High quality air filtration including Hepa filters being used in hygiene rooms and other locations to minimize aerosols
Waiting Area
Unnecessary items such as magazines and toys have been removed
Patients are asked to arrive no more than 5 minutes prior to their appointments and asked to text or call upon arrival so we can minimize the use of the waiting room
Patients are asked to sign informed consent forms with regards to Covid-19 and asked health screening questions
Commonly touched surfaces are cleaned and disinfected after contact between individuals
Staff Training
Staff are informed of the risk of exposure to Covid-19 and the signs and symptoms of the disease
Staff are trained on using, donning and doffing personal protective equipment. Training Date: May 22, 2020 Staff present: Nancy, Sarah, Marina, Amy, Michelle Roberta and Bernie
N95 masks were fit tested for all clinical staff. Date: May 8, 2020 Instructor: Mike Winbow from Freebird Safety Services. Staff present: Dr McEachern, Dr Strukoff, Nancy, Sarah, Amy, Michelle, Marina, Roberta and Bernie
Staff are trained in changes made to work policies, practices and procedures due to Covid-19 pandemic. Zoom staff meeting date: May 25, 2020- all staff present
A safety director was appointed to take charge of screening staff at check in and address employees concerns regarding safety. Safety Director: Jennifer McLaren
Staff are instructed to change into work clothes at work and back into regular clothes before leaving to go home
Staff training is provided for application of cleaning products