As we continue to navigate the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus. As part of these efforts, many businesses and organizations have implemented COVID-19 screening procedures to ensure the safety of all individuals entering their premises. If you’re wondering how to tele-screen your patients, there are a variety of resources available to help you get started. For example, the Straumann Group has created a telephonic screening questionnaire that can be used to assess patients before they come into the office. Simply ask the necessary questions over the phone and determine if the patient is at a high risk of having COVID-19. But, screening patients is not just limited to dental offices. Other businesses have also implemented screening procedures to help stop the spread of the virus. Take for example the Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, which released a public brief in March of 2020 outlining their COVID-19 procedures. By implementing a screening process, they were able to quickly identify and isolate individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. To make the screening process as contactless as possible, many businesses have turned to online screening forms. For instance, TeleHippo has developed a contactless booking and COVID screening form that can be filled out prior to an appointment. This not only streamlines the screening process but also reduces the amount of physical contact between individuals. Dental offices have also been using online screening forms to ensure the safety of their patients. For example, Royersford Comfort Dentistry has developed an online screening form that asks a variety of COVID-19 related questions. Patients are able to easily fill out the form prior to their appointment, ensuring that any potential risks are identified before the appointment begins. Plainsboro, NJ Dentist, Dr. Rane, has also implemented a screening process for his patients. By using an image form, he is able to ask the necessary questions while also providing easy-to-understand visual aids. This reduces confusion and helps ensure that all patients are screened efficiently. When implementing a screening process, it’s also crucial to ensure that all on-site personnel are following the necessary safety precautions. To assist with this, the Environmental Health & Safety office at the University of Massachusetts has developed an on-site personnel COVID-19 checklist. This ensures that all employees are complying with safety protocols and reducing the risk of exposure to the virus. Of course, screening procedures are only effective if individuals are honest with their responses. Michael Moriarty, a dentist in Seward, Alaska, has developed an enhanced COVID-19 oral health care delivery plan that includes a COVID-19 questionnaire. This questionnaire asks a variety of questions related to the virus, but also includes a section that reminds patients to be honest and forthcoming with their answers. By doing so, patients can help ensure the safety of other individuals who may be in the office. In addition to dental offices and hospitals, it’s also becoming commonplace for other businesses to implement COVID-19-related forms and questionnaires. Some businesses, like gyms and nail salons, ask patrons to sign waivers and forms that acknowledge the risk of exposure to the virus. Others, like restaurants and bars, require guests to fill out questionnaires before being seated. These measures may seem extreme, but they’re necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved. As the pandemic continues to evolve, it’s crucial to remain vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of the virus. By implementing screening procedures and other safety measures, we can help ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe during these trying times.
