After asking dental offices to stop non-urgent visits and surgeries because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the CDC now recommend that dental teams weigh the risk in their area with the need to provide care for patients.
WebMD https://www.webmd.com/lung/coronavirus-
dental-care#1
The COVID-19 global pandemic has affected people all over the world, and while many may have thought it would all be over in a matter of time, it has quickly become part of daily life for all of us. This does not exclude dentistry.
Putting off dental treatment can cause you to suffer more complicated issues down the road and can even lead to other medical conditions that have been linked to poor oral health care. Seeking dental treatment during this time, is extremely important and increased precautions have been taken to assure your safety at the dental office.
While you might notice some small changes when you come to your dental appointment, the highest standard universal precautions have been implemented long before COVID-19. Some changes you might notice are:
- Asking patients to wait in their car instead of the waiting room prior to their appointment
- Communicating via text, email or phone call to ensure COVID-19 screening questions are taken
- Allowing only scheduled patient to come inside for their appointment
- Temperature checks before bringing the patient back
- Hand sanitizer prior to being seated and upon being dismissed.
- Air filtering systems in each room with HEPA filters
- Aerosol reducing suction system
- Face shields and masks
- Appointment times allowing for social distancing between patients
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-dentists-are-reporting-a-low-rate-of-covid-19
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Publications/ADA%20News/Files/ADAJ_1930.pdf
