It was a viral spread that started in New York City, moving so quickly and nefariously it caught the nation’s attention. Certain individuals were discriminated against for it and many used the virus to cultivate fear over the global pandemic.

You may think we are referencing the Coronavirus but actually, we’re not: it's the AIDS pandemic.

AIDS is still a pandemic, it’s just one we have gotten used to talking about over the years. 37.9 million people are infected with HIV globally. Now, almost 50 years later, the medical field may have finally found a potential cure.

So what does HIV have to do with COVID-19? It's about cleanliness and risk of infection.

Since the AIDS outbreaks in the 1970s, dental offices began a cleaning routine that exercises the utmost caution when handling the environment and equipment you are treated in. This cleaning protocol goes above and beyond what is recommended for Coronavirus, making dental offices, by nature, clean and safe environments.

EVDP was around before, during, and after the AIDS crisis so we are familiar with the pattern of history repeating itself. Just as during the AIDS crisis, we remain on the cutting edge of hygiene, dedicating our knowledge and experience to our clients safety.

So what does this mean for your trip to the dentist? It means being in the office is probably a lot cleaner than being in your own car. Keep reading to find out why.

1. We Don’t Take Chances

As with HIV, people can be asymptomatic for a length of time before they ever discover a problem. Because we work in your mouth, we know just how serious this potential threat is and take it seriously.

Since the AIDS crisis, dental offices have adhered to the most rigorous cleaning standards to eliminate risks. Sanitizing protocol put into place during this time is the standard for dental offices today, meaning we are already going above and beyond what is needed to safeguard our environment against the Coronavirus.

2. We Sanitize Everything (Everything)

In our exam rooms, all medical equipment is sterilized, we use as many disposable products as possible, as we always use gloves and masks.

In the office, doorknobs, pens, clipboards, and bathrooms are all sanitized and cleaned around the clock. Due to the small size of EDVP, this means our office is cleaner and has far less foot traffic than many other places you frequent, such as wholesalers, grocery stores, and restaurants.

3. The Arizona Board of Dentists is Your Resource

Like any medical professional, dentists are held to the standard of a state board. If you want to double check your provider, know there are resources available.

4. EVDP is a Small Office

We only see up to 2-3 patients at time and, even fully staffed, are a group of 4 people. This puts even a full house well below the CDC recommended limit of social gatherings.

5. No One Comes In Sick

No one wants to get their teeth cleaned when they are sick. Furthermore, we do not want to clean your teeth if you don’t feel well.

As an extra precaution during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are taking extra measures to screen clients before their arrival-- remaining them to reschedule if they don’t feel well.

This same rule applies to our staff.

Uncertain Times Call for a Level Head

There is much we still don’t know about COVID-19 and the impact it will have on our future. In times like these, it's important to keep a level head-- exercising the appropriate level of concern of not too much and not too little. In time, this problem will be contained and the worst behind us.

As many jobs move remote and we practice social distancing, it gives us the time and space to lower our risk while still carrying out our day-to-day lives. Know that at EVDP, and many small dental providers like us, we are already ahead of the curve.