What Can You Expect At Your Dental Appointment During COVID-19?

Are you getting prepared to visit your dentist in Midland for treatment in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis? They’ve implemented dozens of new protocols to ensure your health and safety so that you don’t have anything to worry about. Even though you’ll be visiting your same dentist, there are going to be some things that change. Read on to learn about what you can expect before, during, and after your appointment.

Scheduling Your Appointment

When you schedule your appointment, you may notice that your dentist is offering fewer appointment times. This is because they have had to skim out their schedule in order to make time between each patient to thoroughly disinfect and sanitize treatment and waiting areas. This also minimizes the chance that patients leaving will come into contact with other patients who are arriving.

While you’re scheduling your appointment over the phone, you’ll likely be asked a variety of pre-screening questions to ensure that you or somebody that you live with is experiencing any common symptoms of COVID-19. If you are, then be sure to let them know and cancel your appointment.

Getting Treatment

When you visit your dentist’s office, you’ll be able to check-in to your appointment from your car. That way, you won’t have to wait in a common area where other people have been. If you do decide to go into the office, you’ll notice that your dentist has removed all reading and entertainment activities from the waiting room. As you check in, the front desk attendant will take your no-touch temperature to make sure that you’re not running a low-grade fever, which is a common symptom of COVID-19.

When it’s time for your appointment, you’ll be led directly back to the treatment area. There, you’ll be able to take off your mask. However, you’ll notice that all of the dental staff will be wearing gloves, masks, and disposable gowns. Before your dentist in Midland enters your treatment room to provide you with dental care, they will wash their hands and put on a fresh pair of gloves. The same goes with your dental hygienist as well. Any time they leave the area, they’ll wash their hands again.

Leaving The Practice

Once your appointment concludes and you’re leaving the office, the dental staff will get to work disinfecting any instruments using CDC-approved sterilization methods and sanitize all surfaces. This will prepare the area for the next patient to get safely treated in a germ-free environment. They’ll also take their PPE and thoroughly wash their hands before the next patient arrives.

Your dentist in Midland has implemented 17 new safety precautions in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and provide patients with worry-free dental care in a time when they need it the most. If you have any questions or concerns about the protocols, don’t hesitate to contact the practice directly to learn more.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philips has over two decades of experience in dentistry and is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal oral health. She believes in providing personalized and compassionate dental care and education and is a part of several professional organizations, such as the American Dental Association. For questions or to schedule an appointment, be sure to visit her website or call 432-570-4433.