2300 E Hwy 96, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
Safe Dental - About
What Makes our Clinic So Safe?
At Dr. Crandall & Associates, we are investing in measures that will keep the dental environment of our clinic as safe and healthy as possible. Please read about all the technological advances we have put into place to assure you will not contract Covid-19 while inside our office.
Negative Pressure Technology
Negative Pressure Technology is the Gold Standard in the world of contaminant containment. It is used extensively in hospitals - specifically in Operating Rooms and in Patient Isolation Rooms. And now, with the new Covid-19 outbreak, the dental industry has begun to take a hard look at Negative Pressure Technology and recommends it be installed whenever possible. Because our Clinic was built at a time where separate operatories were "in", DCAA is perfectly suited to install NP and is doing so now. Check out our Blog for updates on our progress at www.SafeDentalMN.com
Ultraviolet Radiation
Ultraviolet radiation is unparalleled in its ability to kill germs - which include tiny viruses like Covid-19. At DCAA, we radiate all air entering our HVAC system with an Ultraviolet System that's designed to purify the air that is circulating within our clinic.
HEPA Filtration
Our HVAC system has a double filtration system designed to capture / filter the tiniest of particles so they are not allowed to recirculate back into our clinic. Unlike the filter system in your own heater, these filters cost $500.00 each and are changed twice a year!
Ozone
Ozone is a greenhouse gas that is both helpful and harmful. If breathed directly, it can be harmful to the human lung. But to microbes like virus, bacteria and fungus, ozone destroys these germs within minutes of exposure. It takes only a few hours for Ozone to dissipate, so at the end of each day, we turn on an Ozone machine capable of sanitizing our entire clinic in 30 minutes. Overnight, the Ozone breaks back down into oxygen leaving our clinic smelling and feeling fresh and 100% germ free for the next day's patients.
Air Ionization
In addition to the Ozone we discharge after hours, DCAA has installed a system into our HVAC that energizes the air to form bipolar - positive and negative - air ions. This natural air purification system, which the US Bank Stadium just installed to the tune of $1 million dollars, provides the following:
- deactivates virus
- kills bacteria & fungus
- captures dust and mold
- eliminates VOCs
- refreshes and invigorates breathable air throughout the clinic
- eliminates all static electricity
Oral Rinsing - Temperature and Oxygen Checks
Studies have proven that the Covid-19 virus is deactivated by Hydrogen Peroxide after 60 seconds of exposure. Therefore, in advance of receiving any treatment with us, we will provide you with a Hydrogen Peroxide rinse that is designed to minimize viral load in those patients who feel fine, yet have become infected (referred to as "asymptomatic-carriers"). Hydrogen Peroxide is harmless, and actually has the added benefit of killing odor producing bacteria and whitening your teeth!
We also will check (and record) your temperature and your oxygen levels at intake. These data points by no means take the place of actual Covid testing, but can suggest the need to postpone treatment until you can be properly tested.
Personal Protective Equipment - PPE
Anyone entering our clinic is required to wear a mask in patient rest (lobby) and treatment locations (operatories). If a patient does not have a mask, one will be given to them. Our clinicians wear N95 Respirator masks underneath disposable level 3 surgical masks. The surgical masks are discarded after every single patient. Clinicians also change their gloves and launder their lab coats after every patient encounter.
Social Distancing
Our goal is to keep the number of people in our clinic to an absolute minimum. Therefore, if you have a driver or companion, we ask that they remain in the car, or sit outside on our lovely new front patio! It's for everyone's safety and we really appreciate your support on this critical safety measure!
Surface Cleaning
All day long, our staff are cleaning all contact surfaces with a heavy duty cleanser that has been proven to destroy all microbes within seconds. Though safe to breath, gloves are required to use these products.