With COVID-19 going around, it can be difficult to know which places are safe and where you should stay away from for the time being. The virus has played a huge role in how people live their lives, including whether or not they are visiting the dental office. Dental anxiety is a common and COVID-19 makes it even more nerve-wracking to go in for regular checkups. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist in Hamden about why skipping your appointment during the pandemic may not be the best thing to do.
Dental Appointments Help to Maintain Overall Health
Contrary to popular belief, visiting the dentist isn’t just about the health of your smile. After all, your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. In fact, oral health problems, like gum disease, can often be linked to all sorts of other illnesses in the body including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, and osteoporosis. When your immune system is busy fighting back against illnesses in the mouth, it can’t focus on the rest of your body, making it more likely that you will become sick.
Your Dentist Is and Has Always Been Taking Precautions
Dentists are required to meet very strict safety standards in order to provide care to patients. Here are a few of the protocols that your dentist has always taken to prevent the spread of illnesses and infection:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Even before COVID-19, your clinical team would wear disposable gloves, surgical masks, and other protective equipment to prevent the spread of illnesses between themselves and their patients.
- Sanitation: When it comes to cleanliness, dental offices are one of the cleanest places you can be. Instruments are always sterilized between patients with the use of an autoclave and surfaces are cleaned frequently.
- Personal Hygiene: The dental team always washes their hands frequently in order to reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. Due to COVID-19, they are washing their hands even more often than usual!
Your Dentist is Taking Even More Precautionary Measures
In addition to all of the safety protocols taken before, your dentist has added even more steps to reduce the possibility of spreading illnesses. Here are just a few of them:
Daily Health Checks
Every day, when the dental team comes into the office, they are asked a brief set of questions regarding their current health. They will also have their temperature taken using a no-touch thermometer.
Patient Pre-Screening
All patients are being asked to complete a health questionnaire and consent form when they arrive at the office. A no-touch temperature check is also required. This helps to confirm that no one with COVID-19 related symptoms is entering the office.
Virtual Waiting Room
Instead of waiting in the reception area, you can now check in from your car. Just call the dental staff to let them know that you’ve arrived. They will alert you when the treatment room is ready for you.
Additional PPE
In addition to surgical masks and gloves, you will see additional PPE being used in the office. This includes higher quality face coverings, face shields, as well as protective coats and hats.
Installed Plastic Guards
Hard plastic shields have been strategically installed throughout the practice to help block the movement of airborne particles.
At this time, many find outings to be anxiety inducing. But don’t neglect your oral health! By continuing to see your dentist, you can prevent future issues and keep the rest of your body healthy.
About the Author
Dr. Ronald J. D’Andrea and his team are taking 27 additional steps to keep their practice as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. D’Andrea earned his DMD from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and is a member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association and the Connecticut State Dental Association. For more information on safety protocols or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (203) 288-0951.
