Protecting dental patients during COVID-19 is a priority for dentist Clayton Cooke

FALLBROOK – Patients of Dr. Clayton Cooke, DDS, have experienced the highest level of care and cleanliness in his office for many years. When COVID-19 began affecting society, this Fallbrook professional knew he wanted to go "above and beyond" what changes the governing agencies would require in reopening dental offices.

Cooke's office is now open, and several new infection control strategies have been implemented to further protect his patients from the illness.

"We want our patients to feel very safe, comfortable and well-served," Cooke said.

It is important, he said, that patients know the exceptional care they have always received is enhanced even further with the added safety precautions.

When an appointment is made at Cooke's office, the patient is asked a series of questions to rule out any possible concerns, but newly added steps provide even better information.

"We not only check each patient's temperature upon arrival at the office, but we also test their oxygen level," said Cooke.

Patients have asked how an oxygen reading is useful.

"The normal oxygen range is between 90 and 100," he said. "If a person's upper respiratory health is attacked by COVID-19, it causes a reduction of oxygen flowing through the lungs. A low oxygen reading is an indication, and a red flag that the pulmonary system is in stress." Hence, this reading can be an indicator of the presence of the virus that otherwise may not be noticed as soon.

Before receiving treatment, patients are given a specialized mouth rinse that provides a unique cleaning opportunity before their procedure.

Cleaning of the surfaces inside the office are done with new, special disinfectants and protective plastic is used to completely isolate the surfaces in order to greatly reduce any chance of cross-contamination.

Cooke and his staff members wear the N95 mask in addition to a protective shield and a hair covering.

"We are providing dual protection between the patient and the clinician," Cooke said.

They all also wear disposable lab coats as these provide a "superb way of not leaving behind any living cells on fabric."

Enhanced protection does not stop there. Cooke has also provided an environmental element to address airborne contaminants.

"It is to ensure that the airflow within the operatory is completely free of viruses due to a constant air purification system," he said.

This particular state-of-the-art system is said to circulate the air in each treatment room as well as running it through an ultraviolet disinfection attachment with a HEPA filter.

"The air is then released back into the operatory free of bacteria and virus particles," Cooke said. "I have our systems running 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure the safety of our patients as well as our staff members."

Dr. Clayton Cooke, DDS, is an award-winning, respected dental provider offering a wide range of services including: preventive and hygiene care, preservation of teeth, full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic enhancements and more. His office is located at 425 W. Alvarado St., in Fallbrook. Call (760) 728-5011 for more information.