For almost an entire year, COVID-19 has become the most talked-about topic of 2020. Changing the way people conduct their day-to-day lives, businesses and employers are looking for ways to safeguard their employees, clients, and customers from the potential spread of this highly contagious virus. Dentists are no different, and although they’re accustomed to abiding by strict sanitation guidelines, you may be surprised to learn what additional measures they are taking to ensure you remain safe while improving the health of your smile. Read on to discover what your open Long Island dentist is doing to reduce your risk during an appointment.
Ways Your Dentist is Creating a Safer Environment
For decades, most dentists have worked to keep patients better protected from harmful pathogens, viruses, and germs. With standard sanitation protocols in place, the dentist’s office has been and continues to be one of the safest places you can visit. But with the outbreak of COVID-19 at the start of the year, you may be wondering if your dentist is doing anything to improve upon their guidelines for sanitation and cleanliness.
The truth is that with the help of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), dentists throughout the country are implementing additional steps to better protect patients and staff. Some of these include:
- Advanced Chairside Suction: Whether it is performing a regular dental cleaning or a more complex treatment, harmful particles can be released into the atmosphere. To minimize the potential for viruses and germs to be released, your dentist will use high speed evacuation to quickly capture the particles and reduce contamination.
- Daily Health Checks of Team Members: To ensure all members of the team are healthy and ready to assist incoming patients, staff will have their temperatures checked and be required to answer questions to determine if they are able to work. Due to the proximity between team members and patients, these proactive measures can help keep a dental practice safe for everyone.
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment: Although your dentist is all about smiles, you won’t be seeing theirs because of the N95 and ASTM Level 3 masks they’ll be wearing. Every member of the dental team is required to wear them. You will also notice gloves, disposable gowns, face masks, and protective glasses, being worn to prevent the spread and absorption of airborne particles.
- Minimal Interaction: From ceasing office tours to virtual waiting rooms to discouraging handshakes or hugs, your dental team is working to minimize the amount of time spent in the dentist’s office. You’ll be instructed to wait in your vehicle until it’s time for your appointment, and don’t be surprised if your dentist offers an “elbow bump” instead of a handshake. While it may feel more impersonal, these measures work to minimize your contact with others, helping to keep you safe.
Until COVID-19 is no longer a threat, you can expect your visits to the dentist to look a bit different. Fortunately, the same happy, smiling faces are ready to see you and although they may be hidden behind a face mask, you can trust their expertise and experience will keep your smile looking its best.
About the Author
Dr. Allan S. Mohr is a cosmetic dentist in Long Island who has more than 30 years of experience working in the dental field in Massapequa Park, NY. Although dedicated from the start to ensure the health and safety of his patients, Dr. Mohr and his team are taking added precautions to avoid the potential spread of COVID-19. With extra guidelines in place, he is available to see all patients and provide high-quality dentistry that produces outstanding results. If you or a loved one are looking for a qualified dental professional, contact our team at (516) 882-3415.