COVID-19 and Dental Practice Safety

When the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S. in early March, health care professionals at risk due to their work were dentists and hygienists. These workers have a high risk of exposure to disease and infections. Commonly used tools, surgical instruments and air/water syringes can emit sprays of bodily fluids that can remain in the air and be inhaled.

In general, dentistry has a good track record for infection control. Several dental practices, including Star Dental Institute in Colorado Springs, are implementing additional measures to combat the virus.

"I knew, if I wanted to go back to work, I definitely had to do something different, adds Dr. Gary Moore of Star Dental Institute. "We decided to have the space remodeled into five separate and sealable rooms and to add air purification systems...the idea is to keep people separate and safe."

As of this writing, COVID-19 continues to have a huge effect on the workforce, forcing companies and organizations all over the world to embrace remote work for its employees. This is true for dental offices as well. They must deal with stay-at-home orders and increased health concerns at the dental office.

This makes dental IT services more important than ever for safe and efficient operations.

How to Ensure Dental IT Safety

Below are several key tips for every business to utilize to ensure security for its employees, even without the threat of COVID-19.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

It's important to use a virtual private network (VPN) because your data is encrypted (hidden) as it moves from your device to the Internet. A VPN makes it more difficult for an attacker to identify your company as the source of the data.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Another layer of security protection to add to your current system is multi-factor authentication. An added piece of information, such as a numerical code sent via text, will ensure that the person using the log-in credentials is who they say they are.

Manage Your Passwords

Password managers are crucial in keeping your passwords secure. A password manager generates, maintains and retrieves complex passwords for you. It also remembers your pins, credit card numbers, and three-digit CVV codes.

Educate Your Employees About Scams

Make sure your employees know how to identify social engineering scams: Phishing is a method in which cybercriminals send fraudulent e-mails that appear to be from reputable sources in order to get recipients to reveal sensitive information.. Business E-mail Compromise is a technique used by cybercriminals in which they pose as a business or member of your bank or credit union, and request that a payment be processed to them.

Protect Your Personal Information

Be careful of what you're sharing on social media. Check your personal settings closely. With weak security settings, anyone can see what you post, including personal information that may make it easier for cybercriminals to guess your passwords, answer your security questions and pose as you online.

Stay Up-To-Date With Software Programs

One of the most common ways that cybercriminals enter a network is through loopholes in software. Some software has flaws that lead to security breaches. It's important to install software patches and updates when they're sent from the developers.

Need help keeping your dental practice safe?

If you're having trouble navigating this new remote workspace, call DarkHorse Tech at 1-800-868-4504 for assistance. We're leaders in the field of Managed Services for IT and New Startup Practices. We're located all throughout the country serving clients in all 50 states.