You’ve been asked by your local officials to do a number of things to help prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. By wearing cloth face coverings, working from home, and limiting your public outings, you are doing a lot to combat the spread. One of the most important steps you can take is practicing social distancing. This also applies to your dental office. Continue reading to learn about how social distancing is changing how your dentist in Hamden operates.
How Do I Practice Social Distancing?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social distancing, also known as physical distancing, means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. This is one of the best ways to avoid exposure to the virus. To practice social distancing, you must:
- Refrain from mass gatherings
- Avoid crowded locations
- Not engage in social gatherings
- Stay at least 6 feet away from people who are not members of your household
How Does Social Distancing Affect Dentistry?
Dentist are taking a variety of new COVID-19 safety protocols to keep their patients and staff safe from potential illness. Here are a few precautionary measures being implemented:
No Handshakes or Hugs
As much as your dentist wants to welcome you into the office, handshakes and hugs will be off limits for the time being. For now, your dental staff will be sticking to safer greetings like elbow bumps.
No Office Tours
Your dental team loves to show their new patients around the office. Due to COVID-19, these tours will have to wait until next time in order to prevent unnecessary contact between patients.
Virtual Waiting Room
Normally when you have an appointment, you check-in at the reception desk. Now, you can check-in from your car. Just give your dental staff a call when you arrive to let them know you’re there. They will alert you when it’s time for you to go to the back. This helps you minimize contact with other patients and staff members. You will be able to bypass the entire waiting area and go directly to your treatment room.
Sequenced Patient Scheduling
In order to prevent potential spread of COVID-19, your dental office is scheduling appointments further apart. This allows for more time between patients for extra sanitization. It also prevents unnecessary contact between patients.
Expanded Patient Appointments
In order to save patients from going on multiple public outings, your dentist is offering expanded patient appointments. This allows him to do more dentistry in a single visit.
Waiting Room Changes
Fewer chairs will be available in the waiting area. This helps patients to keep 6 feet of distance away from others.
One-Way Traffic
In order to move around the office in an orderly fashion, your dental team will be implementing one-way traffic in the treatment area.
Clear Barriers
In addition to social distancing measures, there will also be strategically placed clear barriers around the office. This adds another protective layer between you and other people.
Visiting your dentist is always important, even during a pandemic. Your dental team is doing everything they can to keep their staff and patients as safe as possible. They look forward to seeing you for your next appointment.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald J. D’Andrea is a general dentist located in Hamden, CT. He graduated from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and attended a General Practice Residency Program at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Connecticut State Dental Association. He also served as President of the New Haven Dental Association from 2001 to 2002. Dr. D’Andrea and his team are taking 27 additional protocols to keep their practice safe from COVID-19. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (203) 288-0951.
