As the coronavirus restrictions continue to ease all over the world, it’s now possible to access a wider range of dental services within your local community.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated the Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Setting During the COVID-19 Response with additional guidance and clarification for dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Updates include additional guidance on physical distancing and how to respond to SARS-CoV-2 exposures among dental healthcare personnel and patients. This is aligned to the updated guidance with CDC’s Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in healthcare settings, regarding fever and recommended PPE during patient encounters and including aerosol generating procedures.
Interim guidance is based on what is currently known about dental care in light of COVID-19and its transmission and severity. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date information about infection prevention and control practices, you can find it on CDC’s COVID-19 page. As more information becomes available, CDC will update the guidance.
The guidelines have also been reorganized into two sections: recommended infection prevention and control practices for routine dental healthcare delivery and recommended practices when providing dental healthcare for a patient with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Dental settings should balance the need to provide necessary services while minimizing risk to patients and dental healthcare personnel. They should stay informed and regularly consult with the state or local health departments for region-specific information and recommendations, and should monitor trends in local case counts and deaths, especially for populations at higher risk for severe illnesses.
Oral health has a great impact on our general health, and vice versa, so caring for both during this crisis is critical. This blog will help answer some of your questions about dental care and coronavirus.
Visits to the dentist
While measures are being put into place by cities and states on how they respond to this pandemic, based on federal recommendations and those presented by the CDC, dental offices are getting creative on how they still see their patients. Here are some policies being put into place by dental offices around the country to keep patients and dental staff safe:
- No waiting rooms
Your dental office has likely already closed their waiting areas. Instead, when you arrive at the dentist, you are taken straight back to a treatment room. This is why it’s very important to call ahead before your appointment to understand what protocols they have in place. This means toys and magazines will also be removed and your wait times should be less!
- Treatment and checkout take place in the treatment room
Dental offices are trying to minimize movement and contamination in their offices so everything will be brought directly to you at your dental visit.
- No-touch door handles
Some dental offices are even installing foot handles on their front doors so you don’t have to touch the handle to the door when you arrive.
- Sanitation teams
Dental offices are already very sanitary. They consistently wipe down areas and use gloves when they are working on your dental treatment, but they are increasing these efforts even more in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
- Patient screenings
Your dentist will likely ask you a few questions before your visit about where you have traveled or if you know anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19. If you have been exposed to the virus and have an immediate dental need, don’t letthat keep you from calling your dental office to find out what you need to do.
Caring for your dental health, especially when you are sick or there is a serious illness like this going around, is so important for your overall health.
How will dentists handle dental emergencies?
Dental offices across the U.S. will be ready to accept dental emergencies at their office at this time. They want to help relieve hospital emergency departments who will already be swamped.
Dental emergencies include:
- Cracked or chipped tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Tissue injury
- Tooth abscess (or associated toothache)
What should I do about planned dental visits and treatments during this time?
Did you have a dental visit planned this week or in the coming weeks but are unsure of what to do next? Call your dental office to find out what they would recommend. They will be able to provide recommendations about your current treatment status and the state of coronavirus precautions in your area.
Should I visit the dentist if I’m a senior?
Unfortunately, seniors and those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk of complication if exposed to thecoronavirus and have been advised to stay home during this pandemic.
Sourcing personal protective equipmentand other infection control suppliesduring the COVID-19 pandemic are super simple, thanks to Noble Dental Supplies. We’re also offering free shipping for orders over $500, so place your order for cleaning supplies and other equipment at discounted rates today.
