How We’re Purifying Our Air in Our Dental Office

Our practice has implemented a number of infection control measures to keep our patients and our team members safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the technologies we’re most excited about is the Air Scrubber by Aerus. While we’ve introduced it at our practice in response to the coronavirus, we plan on keeping it in place even after the pandemic has subsided because of its ability to purify the air and surfaces throughout our office.

In the early days of the pandemic, there was little known about the SARS-CoV-2 virus. We were told not to wear face masks, to disinfect our groceries, and dental practices across the country were closed. Once scientists had more opportunity to study the virus, we were able to better understand how it spreads; now we know that the primary means of transmission is through the air.

Of course, that doesn’t mean COVID-19 doesn’t spread through touching surfaces—that’s possible too and it’s why hand washing and sanitizing is still encouraged. But it’s much likelier that you’d get COVID-19 from breathing in respiratory droplets after being in close proximity to someone who is infected, particularly if they’re not wearing a face mask.

The Air Scrubber by Aerus has ActivePure technology to remove both airborne and surface contaminants—in addition to pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, this includes VOCs, dust, odor, and allergens. This NASA-developed technology uses light waves and a unique catalytic process that produces scrubber ions and hydro peroxides to destroy contaminants and create a cleaner environment in our office.

Surface contaminants are reduced by 80 percent in two hours, 95 percent in six hours, and over 99 percent in 24 hours. ActivePure technology was tested on live SARS-CoV-2 virus and found to kill 99.96 percent of airborne viruses within only three minutes. Because the Aerus Air Scrubber is installed directly into our ventilation system, it means it’s working all day long to purify the air throughout our office—it’s not only working in a single room or a single area like other air purifiers. This same system is used in hospitals, government buildings, restaurants, and office buildings across the United States.

We’re not just following CDC guidelines to prevent COVID-19 transmission, we’re exceeding them. On our end, we’re wearing more personal protective equipment (PPE), limiting the use of aerosol-generating procedures, and using plexiglass sneeze-guards as a protective barrier at our reception desk.

We’re also asking our patients to remain in their cars when they arrive at our practice, sanitize their hands upon entering, and answer questionnaires about potential COVID exposure and infection prior to their appointments. We realize that some of these protocols may be inconvenient, but we appreciate your cooperation to help limit the spread of the virus in our community.

If you’re due for a dental check-up, you can feel confident knowing that our office uses state-of-the-art technology to keep patients safe. Contact us today at 570-287-2500 to schedule your appointment.