If your appointment is approaching, you’re probably wondering what to expect during your next visit. When you arrive, you’ll likely find that your dentist has implemented additional steps. Having so many new protocols may seem overboard and unnecessary, but they are there to keep you and your family safe. Many people who test positive for COVID-19 show very mild to no symptoms. By taking these precautions that were recently put into place, you will help make the office a safer environment for others, especially high-risk individuals. Your dentist in Center can tell you what the steps are and why they’re so important.
Screening Questions
Before you come to the office, your dental staff will communicate with you to answer some screening questions regarding your current health and other useful information. You will be asked these questions again when you arrive for your appointment. By informing your dentist of possible exposure or symptoms related to the virus, the proper decisions can be made to ensure the office remains COVID-19 free.
Temperature Readings
Upon arrival, one of the dental staff will take your temperature using a no-touch thermometer. This is to ensure that you do not have a fever. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher will have their appointment rescheduled for a later date. This is to make sure you are not experiencing any symptoms indicating that you may have COVID-19.
Face Coverings
Your office will likely ask you to wear a face covering at the time of your appointment if you are able to do so. This reduces the risk of someone who is asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms from spreading the virus to someone else.
Using Hand Sanitizer Upon Arrival
You will be asked to discard any disposable gloves and use hand sanitizer when you enter the office. This will be provided for you. It is effective in killing viruses that are on your skin.
No Magazines or Toys
Dental offices have removed frequently touched items that are difficult to disinfect. This includes magazines, books, and children’s toys. It decreases the risk of picking up the virus from these surfaces.
Sequenced Patient Scheduling
Appointments are being scheduled further apart to reduce contact between patients. The fewer people in the office at one time – the better.
Waiting in Your Vehicle
When you arrive, you may be asked to wait in your car. The dental staff will call you when your appointment room is ready for you. This eliminates in-office waiting times, therefore lowering your risk of spreading or contracting the virus.
Some of these new precautions may sound like overkill at first, but they are all shown to be effective at limiting the spread of the virus. To lower the curve of COVID-19, we all need to work together. For any questions or concerns about these new protocols, talk to your dentist.
About the Practice
At the Family Dental Center of East Texas, Dr. Thomas Youngblood and Dr. Mireya Martinez offer a comfortable and high quality dental experience for all ages. They believe that it is important to take necessary steps to protect their office staff and patients from COVID-19. Their practice is following infection control recommendations made by the American Dental Association (ADA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). For more information on new safety protocol, visit their website, or call (936) 427-9070.