It Is Safe to Go to the Dentist During the Pandemic?
Although some people might be hesitant to visit the dentist during the coronavirus pandemic, the American Dental Association (ADA) assures the public that it’s safe to go to the dentist! Dentists and hygienists already wear masks and gloves to decrease their risk of transmitting or contracting any diseases. With the pandemic, they have stepped up their personal protective equipment and have proceeded with additional caution.
As a profession, dentists are infection control experts and it is very safe for you to go! Dentists have universal precautions in place to prevent the transmission of any infectious disease. Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS is dedicated to the care of her patients, and approaches the job with even greater precautions during this difficult time.
Regular Dental Appointments Are an Essential Health Service
The ADA recently reaffirmed that dentistry is an “essential health care service”, noting that oral health has long been recognized as an integral part of overall health with access to the full range of dental services. Staying well depends on having access to health care, including dental treatment.
Regular dental visits are an essential health service. Oral health has an effect on overall health, so it’s important to keep up with your cleanings and preventive dental care, even during the pandemic.
Acknowledging that dentistry is an essential service is the first step in assuring you of the safety of dentistry during this difficult time. ADA President Chad Gehani, DDS, states, “Our first job is to be sure that our patients are safe. If we didn’t think that the patients were safe, we simply would not go to the office at all, even on an emergency basis.”
Now is Not the Time to Skip Your Regular Dental Appointment
Oral health affects your overall health, so now is not the time to skip your routine examination and cleaning. In large part, dental care is preventive in nature, so it’s important to keep up with regular cleanings and not put off caring for potential cavities. Delaying your routine check-up could result in a much more involved and expensive procedure down the road.
Dr. Evanson’s Office is Open! Make An Appointment Today!
When dental offices were closed to non-emergency care in March 2020, the primary concern was transmission in crowded waiting rooms, not during dentist-patient interactions. New phone screening procedures before you book an appointment and the check-in process is almost entirely virtual, which minimizes waiting times. Forms are filled out online instead of in the reception area, and you’re screened again and get your temperature checked before you enter the office.
Dentists have been dealing with the possibility of coming into contact with infectious diseases from HIV to hepatitis long before the coronavirus pandemic, and uphold strict standards to protect you and themselves for that matter.
Since mid-May 2020, when most dental offices reopened in the country for routine care, there has been no evidence of COVID-19 transmission in dental offices, which is a commendable track record.
Care for Your Oral Health During the Pandemic
One of the best things you can do during the pandemic is to stay healthy, including your oral health. Poor oral health affects other aspects of your overall health, including a higher risk of dementia, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, among other health issues.
Dr. Evanson is providing dental care for your whole family even during the pandemic. Her office in Parker, Colorado, is accessible to those living in the surrounding communities of Highlands Ranch, Aurora, Castle Rock and Lone Tree. Please call 720-409-0008 or contact us online for an appointment, and stay well and safe during this uncertain time!
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