It is not an uncommon occurrence to see healthcare workers donning their scrubs out in public. When leaving work, they are just like you and often need to stop by the grocery store or pick up food from a local restaurant before heading home. Unfortunately, this practice will no longer be allowed thanks to COVID-19. Because of this highly contagious virus, dentists throughout the country are implementing new rules as it pertains to work attire. To find out why your family dentist in Lacey, WA, will no longer be in scrubs when outside the office, read on.
Scrubs: Where Bacteria Love to Gather
Researchers have found that scrubs and other forms of “healthcare worker attire” are an ideal location for bacteria to accumulate. How is this possible? According to a 2017 study published in the “Open Forum Infectious Diseases” journal, these various pieces of work attire can carry around 30% of the bacteria that can easily spread between patients.
Although dental professionals are expected to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while treating patients, it is still possible for clothing to attract bacteria, which can remain in place and be transferred onto others should they be in close contact.
Since these clothing items contain a substantial amount of bacteria, it is advised that dentists and their team remove any PPE (i.e. disposable gowns, lab coats, etc.) and personal attire while wearing gloves. Why? The reason is to potentially avoid contaminating their hands and passing it along to a colleague, patient, or loved one at home.
A New Protocol: Wearing Scrubs Only at Work
Dentists and their dental teams are now following strict rules to keep both staff and patients from contracting COVID-19. Following the recommended guidelines put forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the American Dental Association (ADA), it is now required that all individuals (i.e. dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and other office personnel) change into their scrubs once they arrive at work and change out before they leave to go home. This helps to minimize harmful pathogens from spreading to individuals outside the office.
In the past, it was not uncommon to see dentists and their teams wearing scrubs when providing services to the community or visiting schools to discuss the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene. This will no longer be allowed, as it increases the risk of contaminating other individuals and surfaces.
While wearing appropriate PPE will continue to be a requirement, dentists must make sure all staff is trained on how and when to wear PPE to avoid additional bacteria from reaching exposed areas of the body and/or clothing.
Although this directive does not require you to make any changes to your upcoming visit, it should give you additional peace of mind that your dentist is doing everything possible to minimize harmful bacteria within the dental office.
About the Author
Dr. Venn Peterson attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry, graduating in 2000. Practicing in Lacey since 2001, he and his colleague, Dr. Spenser Cammack, who earned his dental education at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, know certain precautions must be observed to keep everyone safe from the possibility of contracting COVID-19. One way they are accomplishing this is no longer wearing scrubs outside the office. If you want to know more about why this particular change has occurred and how it’s keeping you safe, visit our website or call (360) 459-4420.