The COVID-19 pandemic is in its second year, and will not go anywhere anytime soon. Due to this fact, many people have avoided visiting the dentist, even when they have dental issues that need resolving. Fortunately, every dentist's office has special guidelines to keep their dental technicians and you safe during this time. Thinking of visiting the dentist during COVID-19? Here's what you should expect.
Temperatures Taken at the Door Most stores, businesses, and medical institutions have implemented temperature checks at their doors to help control the spread of the coronavirus. During your COVID-19 dental visit, you can expect your forehead to get scanned at the entrance. If you're running a fever on the day of your appointment, you may be turned away. Increased PPE for Technicians Dental hygienists and dentists used masks, scrubs, and other PPE to prevent the spread of pathogens long before the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, many offices have increased the amount of or improved the quality of their PPE to keep you safe. Air Filtration and Purification Systems Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and medical offices have invested in new air filtration systems. These systems may use UV-C light or HEPA-certified filters to help kill any airborne viral particles before they become a problem. A Well-Cleaned Environment Dental offices already undergo strict cleaning protocols to keep them safe through any dental procedures. All the pandemic did was increase the vigilance of keeping the environment disinfected and sanitized. When visiting the dentist in 2021, you can expect an extremely safe environment. Symptom Questionnaires Pre-Appointment Another common measure that many dental offices, ours included, are taking during this pandemic is a pre-appointment questionnaire. This questionnaire is to be filled out the day before your appointment and brought with you. On it, you'll get asked questions about any COVID symptoms you may have experienced and any travel that you have undergone. No More Waiting Room Boredom Anywhere that has a waiting room has had cut down on their seating or eliminate the use of the space entirely. This is due to the necessity of social-distancing measures and the lack of space in which to implement them. During your 2021 dental visit, you can expect to call the front desk and let them know of your arrival. They will then let you know when it is safe to enter. Not Sure About Visiting the Dentist During COVID-19? Visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience at any time. Visiting the dentist during COVID-19 doesn't have to be even worse. We here at Aberdeen Dental Arts have a host of safety procedures in place to keep our technicians, and you, our patients, safe. If you or someone you love needs help with their teeth, don't let it wait any longer. Whether you've been with us a while or are a new patient, we'll be happy to help you improve your smile!