5 Reasons To Feel Safe
Is it safe to go to the dentist now? 5 reasons to feel confident in seeing your dentist
Regular dental appointments are important since oral health is related to overall health. While it’s tempting to postpone your
regular checkups during the Covid-19 pandemic, this is not advisable. That’s because routine appointments give dentists and
hygienists the opportunity to check and monitor a number of oral health conditions. When conditions such as tooth decay are
identified early, they can be easier and less expensive to treat. When dental disease is left untreated it can become more difficult,
painful, and expensive to address.
5 Reasons why you should feel safe
1
Dentists & hygienists have years of training in infection control & prevention
Dentists and hygienists have followed comprehensive infection control standards for years to protect themselves, their teams, and most importantly their patients from exposure to infectious diseases. In addition to wearing eye protection, masks, and gloves to decrease their risk of exposure, dental professionals have stepped up their standard protocols even further during the pandemic by adding surgical gowns, face shields and higher-level masks (e.g. N95s).
2
Effective patient screening protocols
Dental offices now screen each patient prior to the visit. Typically, a series of questions is asked to identify possible risk factors
and exposure. Patients are often asked to wait outside rather than in waiting rooms, wear face masks, and not bring additional
people to their appointment. When patients arrive at the office, they are greeted by a masked dental team member, a few
additional questions, a temperature check and alcohol-based hand sanitizer
3
Active steps to reduce aerosols
Dentists and hygienists are taking additional precautions to reduce the creation of aerosols, which can carry viral particles
through the air. These can include pre-procedural antiviral oral rinses, the use of high-evacuation suction whenever possible,
and for longer procedures, limiting exposure with rubber dental dams.
4
Increased cleaning protocols
Dental offices have always operated with strict cleaning procedures before, during, and after patient visits to prevent crosscontamination. Now in addition to normal cleaning protocols, offices are specifically using disinfectants known to kill the
COVID-19 virus, removing high-touch items like magazines and toys from waiting rooms, frequently cleaning or replacing items
like pens and clipboards and providing multiple hand sanitizer dispensers.
5
Fewer patients per day
Dental offices are seeing fewer patients in the office each day so people can stay farther apart in clinics and waiting rooms.
This additional time also allows for the thorough cleaning described above and vigilance of the dental team to utilize personal
protective equipment to help keep everyone safe.
Additional information you may find valuable
CDC / Healthcare Workers - Guidance for Dental Settings
Yes, it’s safe to go to the dentist
Is it safe to visit the dentist?
The Dentist Will See You Now. But Should You Go?
We want you to feel comfortable when you come in for your appointment. Please reach out to us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about our new safety measures. See you soon!
What You Can Expect From Your
Next Visit To The Dental Office
Prior
to Your Appointment
Before your scheduled visit, one of
our team members may call you
to ask you some health-related
questions. This is intended to ask
about your health and any potential exposures to sick individuals.
A limited number of patients will
be allowed into the reception area,
please expect to wait outside the
office or in your car until the team
is ready to see you.
Please limit the number of
additional people that accompany
you to the office, if possible allow
older children to go into the office
without a parent.
Additional cleaning and disinfection measures will be done after each patient to make certain the dental operatory is safe for you.
During
Your Appointment
You will be asked to wear a face
mask to your appointment. A dental
team member will let you know
when it is appropriate to remove it
so treatment can begin.
A dental team member will take
your temperature and repeat
the health questions asked
before your appointment.
The reception area will look
different. Magazines, toys, or
other high-touch items have been
removed for everyone’s safety.
The dental team will wear additional personal protective equipment, including face masks, plastic face shields, goggles and surgical gowns at all times.
After
Your Appointment
Within 2 days of your appointment,
if you start to experience COVID-19
symptoms call to alert us at the
dental office so anyone who came
into contact with you can be
notified.
It is important to schedule your
next appointment before you
leave. Oral health is a component
of overall health, and one of ways
you can stay healthy is to keep up
with regular dental care. We are
committed to helping you maintain
your oral health.
Regular dental visits will help you
look and feel your best, but don’t
forget that the proper way to
maintain your oral health between
visits is practicing good hygiene –
such as brushing and flossing – at
home. Keep Smiling!
It is important to us that you feel comfortable and safe when you come to our dental office. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our new safety measures. We hope to see you soon!
A denture specialist will give you a FREE consult and 2nd opinion. X-rays are needed for the doctor's consult.
Call (765) 489-5942
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