Many people may feel unsure whether to keep up with their regular dentist appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these medical professionals have years of experience promoting cleanliness and sanitary practices to keep staff and patients safe. Below are some precautions you may encounter when visiting the dentist in the near future.

4 Safety Measures to Expect at the Dentist 

1. Taking Temperatures

Patients will likely have their temperatures taken via a forehead wand before entering the practice. Dental staff may ask a few questions to ensure you haven’t had any COVID-19 symptoms or tested positive.

They’ll ask if you’ve had a cough, shortness of breath, or a sore throat within 48 hours. They may also query about fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, or loss of taste and smell. Anyone experiencing these symptoms or individuals who have a fever will not be allowed to enter the building.

2. Masks

Wearing face masks that cover the nose and mouth limit saliva droplets from entering the air and spreading COVID-19. Many dental offices require face coverings, from disposable surgical options to reusable cloth masks, to prevent others from encountering your germs. 

Dental hygienists and dentists will also wear these masks as personal protective equipment. Patients must take them off for check-ups and cleanings but should wear them in the waiting room and on the way to an exam room. Some dentists may ask their patients to wait in their cars until their appointment times. 

3. Spaced Out Waiting Rooms

The CDC recommends that people stay 6 feet away from one another to limit contact via respiratory droplets. These particles can spread by coughing, sneezing, or talking within 6 feet of an infected person. There may also be a limited number of people in the waiting room, with chairs spaced to promote social distancing.

4. Limited Patients

Many dentists are not taking as many appointments and are seeing fewer patients in a day to promote social distancing. Offering staggered appointments means fewer visitors and provides extra time for staff to thoroughly clean the dental chairs, tools, and other implements between patients.

People looking for a safe oral care team should set up an appointment with Dr. David K. Skeels in Rochester, NY. The staff offers free exams and consultations for new patients. Call the Rochester-area practice at (585) 467-7000 or visit the website to learn about their treatment planning and financial arrangements.