Even during a global pandemic, oral cancer screenings remain as important as ever. While COVID-19 has vastly altered the protective measures undergone by healthcare workers, our team at Eagle Landing Dental is still providing VELscope oral cancer screening in Chilliwack. Read on to learn how we sterilize our equipment to ensure that you remain safe and healthy during and after your visit with our dentist near you.
We Always Use Disposable VELcaps and VELsheaths
When you get a VELscope oral cancer screening near you, our dentist must hold the device within a few inches of your oral cavity, where it will likely be exposed to respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or breathing by the patient. Most of us know by now that these respiratory droplets have been determined to be the main way that COVID-19 transmits from person to person. For this reason, our dentist in Chilliwack uses strong, durable barriers between the VELscope device and the respiratory droplets.
The first line of protection comes in the form of the VELcap, which is a small plastic lens that covers the device’s light and optics. This cap is meant for one-time use and can be easily thrown out after each examination, eliminating the time and effort required to disinfect the product. As well, the VELcap protects these parts of the VELscope from accidental impacts, ensuring that they remain working in perfect condition.
The second line of defence is the VELsheath which covers and protects the rest of the VELscope unit, including the top of the device and its handle. The main purpose of the VELsheath is to prevent the machine from becoming contaminated from a gloved hand that has touched patient tissues. It is important to understand that rubber gloves can also transfer bacteria and viruses from one source to another, so we use the VELsheath to create a physical barrier and prevent cross-contamination.
Additional Precautionary Procedures
In addition to these barriers and technologies, we also ensure that we carefully wipe down the machine with a disinfectant wipe to make sure that the device is entirely sterile for its next use. We begin by focussing on the handle on the device, as this is the area that is most likely to be contaminated through gloved hands. While there are some portions of the machine that are not water-resistant and cannot be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe, those parts are completely protected and covered with the use of the VELcap and VELsheath.
Speak to Our Team
If you are still nervous about getting your annual VELscope oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact our team of dedicated dental professionals at Eagle Landing Dental. We understand that everyone has varying levels of comfort when it comes to what they want to do during this unprecedented time, and we will do everything we can to assist and accommodate your needs. If you have any questions or concerns, our team will work with you to address them. Please feel free to get in touch with us and book a consultation with one of our dental professionals today.