From communicating with our loved ones to going grocery shopping, COVID-19 has changed the way we do just about everything. That even includes how your appointments with your dentist in Hamden will go. For the past couple of months, most dentists have only been treating emergency patients, but many of them have recently started opening back up for regular procedures like checkups and cleanings. Keep reading to learn what you can expect at your first appointment after your dentist reopens.
Before Your Appointment
Dental offices are one of the safest places you could be, thanks to the already strict cleanliness protocols they follow. In order to keep it that way, a member of your dentist’s team may call you before your appointment and ask you some questions about your recent health, including whether you have exhibited any coronavirus-like symptoms. They may also ask you these questions again when you first arrive at the office for your appointment.
Additionally, your dentist’s staff may ask you to limit the number of people you bring with you to your appointment, or have any people besides you wait in the car.
During Your Appointment
If your city or state is requiring people to wear masks in public, make sure to wear one to your appointment. When you arrive at the office, you might be asked to wait in your car until the dentist is ready to see you. This will prevent germ transmission by avoiding the often-tight space of the waiting room.
Inside the office, you may notice that things appear a little different. There may be hand sanitizing stations for you to use, and you might be asked to rinse your mouth out before you see the dentist. The dentist and their staff members should be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as surgical gowns, extra face masks, and show coverings.
After Your Appointment
Rest assured that once your appointment is over, the operatory and every surface you could have possibly touched in the office will be thoroughly wiped down and disinfected. This greatly reduces the risk of germs being passed on to other patients.
As you can see, your dentist in Hamden cares greatly about preventing germs from being transferred from patient to patient. They are implementing all sorts of extra precautions to keep every patient safe and healthy. If you’re curious about your dentist’s safety protocols, just give them a call.
About the Author
Dr. Robert Pantera is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He holds active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Connecticut Dental Association, and the New Haven Dental Society. His practice strictly follows the CDC’s guidelines when it comes to keeping their practice clean and preventing the spread of COVID-19. To learn more about how Dr. Pantera keeps his office germ-free, visit his website.
