Why It’s Still Safe (And Important!) to Visit Your Dentist in the Age of Corona
It’s most likely been months since your last visit to the dentist—post-lockdown, your teeth are in desperate need of cleaning, yet a sense of fear surrounds coming in such close contact with your practitioner. Although quarantine has been lifted across the majority of U.S. states, and several offices have opened as a result, many Americans are still afraid to take a seat in the dental chair. Social distancing does not stand when a health professional hovers over you during your exam, leading many to believe it’s safer to omit the trip.
However, making an appointment with your dentist is extremely important, especially if you’re noticing plaque or any changes in your general dental health. “We’re taking a lot of measures to make our patients feel at ease. I feel safer at the dentist’s office than I do at a restaurant or hair salon at the moment!” declares Dr. Tanu Prakash, DDS, of Best Dental NY. “We have medical-grade air purifiers, high-suction vacuums and both UV lights and foggers to clean charts and papers. Our staff is also in full PPE, which includes two masks, two gowns, a head wrap and face shields.” Dr. Prakash, who used to see 20-30 patients per day, also says that appointments have been significantly spread out. “Now, I only see around 10 patients during work hours.”
At New York Dental Group LLP, patients’ comfort is also a top priority. “We’re taking measures to ensure our patients feel secure both before and during the appointment,” the office manager asserts. “They’re being screened prior to entering the office, and they’re asked if they’ve had symptoms or have come in contact with anyone who has been diagnosed. Once in the office, they’re given a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse solution. There are HEPA filters in each room, and the dentist wears an N95 double mask and face shield at all times. We also put a DuraMax ExtraOral machine over the patient’s mouth that absorbs any airborne bacteria or pathogens that could go into the air.”
Linda Marra—practice manager at Elegant Smiles of Matawan in Matawan, New Jersey—believes that a dental office should be a safe space during the spread of the virus as well. “Dr. [Shalin] Jani went above and beyond what he had to do to keep us and the patients safe,” she maintains. “When people arrive in the parking lot, we have them call. Only one person is allowed in the waiting room at a time, unless it’s a husband and wife or parent and child.” Marra, who is situated behind plastic at her desk, also praises the practice’s sanitization methods. “An ultraviolet wand is used to kill bacteria throughout the day in different areas of the office,” she explains. “Additionally, the staff wears COVID uniforms that saliva, sweat, and water roll off of. Not to mention, Dr. Jani is not additionally charging for PPE materials that keep us safe.”
Dental offices have safety precautions in check—so take a deep breath, revert from your at-home duties and give your teeth the TLC they desperately deserve.