Are you concerned about visiting your dental office for a checkup and cleaning during COVID-19? Your dentist and their staff are doing everything within their power to make their office one of the cleanest and safest places you can go to at the moment. They’re implementing dozens of new safety protocols to prevent the spread of the virus and keep you healthy, such as social distancing. Read on to learn more about social distancing practices in dental offices and how they’re effective.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is the act of staying at least six feet apart from others while you’re out in public areas and generally limiting any close contact with others. The CDC recommends social distancing and not gathering in groups in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19, which can be life-threatening for many people, including those who have underlying health problems. Public areas like grocery stores and dental offices are implementing a variety of social distancing markers on the floor and practices for the safety of the public as well.
Why is Social Distancing Important?
The CDC recommends social distancing because COVID-19 is spread by droplet transfer of bodily fluids from infected people, such as saliva, to the mucous membrane of non-infected people, via the eyes, nose, and mouth. By speaking loudly, coughing, or sneezing without a mask on, anybody who is infected will immerse surrounding surfaces or people in small saliva droplets that can then be transferred and cause the virus to spread. Studies have shown that these droplets, depending on several factors, can spread from between six and 10 feet. Social distancing and wearing a mask minimizes the risk of this. With this practice in place, businesses are able to prioritize public and community safety.
How Are Dental Offices Practicing Social Distancing?
It can be difficult to encourage social distancing in public offices, especially in small dental practices. That’s why your dentist is taking several precautionary measures to help. Not only are they removing chairs out of the waiting room and moving the existing ones six feet apart, but they’re also practicing some of these additional safety measures:
- Offering virtual visits
- Pre-screening patients over the phone
- Removing entertainment materials from waiting areas, such as magazines
- Limiting the number of patients in the office at once
- Doing patient check-ins from their vehicles
- Requiring patients to wear a mask into the office to prevent droplet spread
Your dentist will be taking dozens of new safety precautions that meet and exceed the CDC’s guidelines to ensure your safety. That way, you’ll be able to get the high-quality dental care you deserve without having to risk your overall wellbeing in the process.
About the Author
Dr. Racha Kadamani has over 18 years of experience as a dentist. She is passionate about providing her community with high-quality dental care that helps them optimize their oral health and preserve their natural smile for years to come. Her and her dental staff are all taking additional safety precautions during the COVID-19 crisis to prioritize patients’ health and safety while accepting new appointments. For questions or to schedule a visit, visit Laith Family Dentistry’s website or call 210-782-6842.
