The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in providing concise guidelines for stopping the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Recently they issued some pointers for dental clinics, and if and when they should see patients.
According to WHO, it is best to see patients only in urgent or emergency cases, however we recommend seeing your dentist on your regular schedule, before urgent or emergency care is needed. That being said, please call and discuss your dental concerns with us when making your appointment. We can then help you assess whether an appointment is necessary during this time. We may recommend you come in and be seen, or we may possibly ask that you delay your appointment until necessary.
If you are at all nervous about visiting the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic, please be assured we are working to protect our patients by instituting extra safety measures. Some of these measures include
Requiring patients to wear a mask upon entry to the clinic, and to wear gloves for the duration of their visit with us
Socially distancing patients by spacing out their appointment times and rooms during their visit.
Asking patients to wait in their vehicles until it is time for their appointment
Asking patients to answer a series of health questions before proceeding with their appointment
Our staff will be wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) during your visit.
Quarantining for at least 14 days if you have had or have been exposed to COVID-19
In your daily life, the WHO also recommends you take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These steps include:
Washing your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds, and wearing gloves if preferred.
Staying at least 6 feet apart from others when possible, aka “social distancing”
Wearing a face mask or covering when out in public.
If you have any questions or concerns about your appointment, about COVID-19 safety, or about the safety measures we are taking to ensure you and all of our patients remain healthy during your visit with us, please do not hesitate to call our office at (858) 523-1400.
