What To Expect About Visiting The Dentist During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Posted on: 15 September 2020
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Is it time for your semi-annual dental checkup, but you are feeling a bit nervous about going during the COVID-19 pandemic? It will help to know about all the safety precautions that will be taken to ensure that you are safe so your teeth can be checked and cleaned.
Before The Appointment
The screening procedures should begin before you even step foot in the dentist's office. You should not enter the building if you are experiencing any symptoms regarding COVID-19 or were exposed to someone that has it within the past two weeks. Your dentist may ask you these questions about your exposure while you wait in your car prior to entering the building and have you wait in your vehicle until it is time to enter their lobby. The goal is to reduce the number of people waiting in person in the lobby.
Expect to have your temperature taken when you enter the office and to be the only person in the waiting room until it is time for the appointment. You should also limit your visit to only yourself — avoid bringing anyone else with you since they will likely not be able to come with you for the appointment in the actual dental exam room. The only exception to this is if you are the parent of a child having a dental exam, which will limit the number of extra people to only one parent.
During The Appointment
Everyone will be wearing a lot more personal protection gear than usual, even for a basic dental cleaning and examination. The hygienist will likely be wearing a mask, a face shield, and gloves so that each of you is protected from the other. After all, you will be unable to wear a mask during your dental appointment. You may be requested to use a face shield as well, causing the hygienist and dentist to perform their job by looking through the face shield.
There will be more suction equipment used to remove water droplets from your mouth during the cleaning and exam, rather than having you spit and rinse into a sink. There may also be air purification systems in place to filter the air and help redirect air circulation in the room.
After The Appointment
Even though you've just had your mask off while working with a hygienist and a dentist, you will likely still be required to wear a mask when walking through the office to leave. Billing may happen in person, over the phone, or through the mail to limit interactions in the building with a receptionist.
To learn more, contact a dentist.