As dental practices reopen you are probably wondering if it is safe to go back to work.
I am no doctor so I can’t really tell you one way or the other. However, I have spoken to several dentists, dental assistants and front office staff that worked right through the shutdown due to emergency treatment and here is what they had to say about staying safe.
#1 Know you are in a very sterile and safe environment.
One assistant who has been working in the dental field for almost 30 years said “I have worked in dentistry when AIDS hit and nobody knew what it was, I worked through the Swine Flu, deadly flu seasons and more. And I rarely get sick. We have so much protection and sterilization techniques. I think grocery store workers are more likely to catch it than someone working in a dental practice.”
And that statement about protection and sterilization is more true now than ever. Dentists are going above and beyond to make sure their employees and patients are safe.
We found that most dentists are following a protocol similar to this.
#2 Take extra precautions
Even though you are working in a sterile and safe environment, it never hurts to be overly cautious. One hygienist, who has a 7 month old baby at home, recently went back to work. She said this about coming home from work, “I won’t touch or hug my baby right when I get home. I change my clothes and wash my face and hands first. Then I give her all the snuggles cause I missed her so much!”
So if you are worried about bringing COVID home, make sure you follow all the precautions we keep hearing on repeat. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, social distance (as much as you can in dentistry) and don’t wear dirty scrubs in the house.
#3 Stay healthy physically and mentally
I am sure you have heard this one a million times. But there is a reason all the fit and healthy people aren’t too scared of this virus. One of our Temp Registered Dental Assistants is also a yoga teacher. She said now is the time to be working out and eating right and meditating. “A healthy mind doesn’t get sick.” She said when I asked her if she was nervous about taking temp shifts.
If you want more tips on how dental professionals can stay both physically and mental healthy here is a post for you.
#4 Work in a sterile, safe environment that is taking the extra precautions to keep you safe and encourages your healthy lifestyle.
OK that is a long title, but what I mean is if your dentist is not taking all the precautions and you feel uncomfortable working there for any reason, then it is time to find a new job. And there are many, I mean MANY dental practices that are looking to hire for all positions.
And DirectDental has made it easier than ever to find the right job for you.
When you go to Search Jobs you can search by position, locations, position type (full-time, temporary, etc.) and can sort by highest pay, newest job posts and soonest or latest temp shifts to quickly fill any open days in your work schedule.
Once you find a position you like, it only takes one click to apply.
To update or create your DirectDental account just click the button below.
BONUS- Get a Job Now
This isn’t a tip or trick from a dental professional, but it is something you are going to want to do.
Find a job now. Dentists are offering a lot of money and benefits to get people hired right now. But that is not going to last. When August comes dentists are expecting their jobs to have many more applicants than they are having now and that will drive the hourly rates down. Accepting a position now will make sure you get locked into that higher pay.
Hope this post helps. If you have any questions, comments or concerns feel free to reach out!
Smiles,
Holli
