American dentists prepare patients for their first trip back to dental offices
Dentists in the US are preparing patients for their first trip back to the dental chair, as practices across several states reopen.
Most dental offices closed in March as part of widespread lockdown measures, but more and more states are now opening up and easing down restrictions. Offices are up and running and dentists are ready to welcome patients back.
As there is currently no vaccine for Covid-19, and infections are still prevalent in many countries, dental professionals are adjusting to a new way of treating patients. For now, dentists will be wearing additional PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), patients will have their temperature checked and social distancing measures will be in place.
Although the experience will be different for patients attending dental appointments, dentists are keen to reassure them that there is nothing to worry about. Robust infection control procedures are in place and dentists will be on hand to provide advice and information as normal. Many treatments are still available and patients can look forward to a warm welcome. Practice staff are going out of their way to help patients to feel comfortable.
Dr Field Harrison, from Mint Dentistry, Texas, explained that the setup is a bit different with all staff kitted out in PPE and patients provided with a mask. There has been an influx of requests for appointments since the state approved the opening of dental offices at the beginning of May and Dr Harrison and his team will be working to clear the backlog and ensure as many patients can be treated as quickly as possible. Health and safety come first and this means that patient numbers might be lower to begin with.
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