March 8-14, 2020, is Patient Safety Awareness Week. This is a time when dentists, doctors, and other health care experts learn and encourage individuals to seek and better understand ways in which measures are being taken to improve the safety of both medical professionals and patients. So how does Hill Avenue Dental ensure your wellbeing while providing care? Let Drs. Doug Clark Jr. and H. Douglas Clark III explain.
Patient Safety: The Reason for Awareness
It is estimated that more than 2.6 million people die from a lack of patient safety in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is also reported that around 40% of individuals experience some level of harm while receiving care in an ambulance or primary care environment, 80% of which are, in fact, preventable.
To reduce the number of patients facing harm and possible death as a result of incorrect or improper safety protocols, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement works to partner with various organizations, and groups to improve and ensure the safety of patients, caregivers, and individuals working in the field of health care.
Why Isn’t More Being Done About Patient Safety?
The most obvious reason many of the health care errors occur is due to a lack of funding. While things like simulation-based education can work to improve safety in outpatient settings, teamwork, and communication, it has a limited impact because there is not enough funding.
Jill Steiner Sanko is a patient safety researcher who explains that while funding isn’t the only way to impact change, individuals can raise awareness by talking about the errors made on behalf of both patients and health care professionals.
Patients should:
- Ask providers to wash their hands if you do not see them do so
- Correct mistakes on personal records
- Discuss recommendations made by previous or other providers when talking to your current doctor or dentist
- Talk about mistakes that have occurred in the past and ask about what is being done to prevent them in the future
Medical professionals should:
- Talk about errors made and ways to prevent them in the future
What is Hill Avenue Dental Doing to Ensure Patient Safety?
Apart from the warm and welcoming atmosphere patients will receive upon arriving at their dental office, Drs. Doug Clark Jr. and H. Douglas Clark III go above and beyond to make sure all individuals feel safe and confident from the moment they walk through the doors. Complete with fully trained and professional staff, they take the time to ensure all dental tools and equipment are properly sanitized and stored to prevent the spread of germs.
Also, to ensure dental care safety, their team:
- Uses digital imaging to reduce exposure to harmful radiation
- Uses an ultrasonic cleaning system to clean equipment and sterilize gear
- Provides advanced technology for greater precision and accuracy, all of which results in reduced recovery times for patients
Patient safety is of the utmost importance for the team at Hill Avenue Dental, which is why they will never take shortcuts. As a patient of Dr. Clark Jr. or Dr. Clark III, you can feel confident and comfortable knowing you will not only receive the highest level of quality dental care, but your safety is their number one priority.
About the Author
Dr. Doug Clark, Jr. received his dental degree from Marquette University School of Dentistry before pursuing advanced training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. He and Dr. H. Douglas Clark III understand going to the dentist can be difficult for many patients, but fortunately, their team is dedicated to ensuring your comfort and safety during any procedure. This way, you can rest assured knowing your smile is in the best of hands with our dentists. To learn more about our team and how we will protect you and your smile, contact us via our website or by calling (715) 392-5161.