It may seem like the IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) standards only came into the spotlight during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when they have been predated the pandemic and have been around for quite some time.
Infection control is something all healthcare professionals are familiar with, but it has come into laser sharp focus in recent years, for obvious reasons. The use of PPE and following intricate steps to prevent infection has always been a part of dentistry, but now it has transformed into a beast of its own.
Implementation of IPAC Standards
With the rigorous IPAC standards now being enforced at every step, what does that mean for you and your practice? When a patient does not pass their COVID-19 screening, they are unable to come into the practice and miss out on the care that they need. Some treatments may no longer be deemed necessary when weighing the pros and the risk of infection. This also means a decreased revenue for your practice.
What can you do to mitigate this and keep your patients safe? It’s important to understand the risks imposed with the procedures you perform, and ultimately decide if it is necessary for your patient’s oral health or simply nice to have. This includes a lot of cosmetic procedures that have been postponed or cancelled altogether, to prevent risk of infection and spreading of COVID-19. However, if you take the necessary steps and go above and beyond the minimum requirements for IPAC, you may be able to salvage those treatments and find a way to perform them with minimal risk to your patients and your team.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, patients are hyper aware of the risk of infection through aerosols and have chosen to cancel their dental treatments altogether, due to fear. By following rigorous IPAC standards, you demonstrate to your patients how safe they are, and they feel more confident with continuing their dental treatments.
