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You have family members who are high risk for COVID-19, so you’ve been doing your part to keep them safe by social distancing and staying home as much as possible. One day your Lehigh Valley dentist gives you a call, letting you know that it’s time for your biannual checkup. The idea of going out for a dental appointment fills you with worry. Is it safe? Is your dentist following social distancing protocol? Rest assured that dentists all over the country are keeping their offices as safe and clean as possible. Keep reading to learn some of the social distancing practices your dentist has in place.
No Hugs or Handshakes
Your dentist and their staff members are always more than happy to see you. These days, though, they can’t show it physically with handshakes or hugs. Instead, you’ll have to say hello and goodbye to them in different ways. You could give them an enthusiastic wave, put your hands together as if you’re saying “namaste,” or even flash the “live long and prosper” hand sign.
Virtual Waiting Room
Instead of sitting in a waiting room crammed full of other people, you can now wait in your car and check in for your appointment with your phone. A member of your dentist’s team will text or call you when the dentist is ready to see you. Then you can enter the office, sanitize your hands, rinse your mouth out, and head straight back into the treatment area.
Spaced-Out Patient Scheduling
Your dentist’s office isn’t nearly as busy as it used to be. That’s because they aren’t seeing as many patients in a day as they did before the pandemic struck. As a result, there are fewer people in the office at the same time, lessening the chance that you’ll make physical contact with other patients. Your dentist’s staff also now have more time in between appointments to thoroughly disinfect the office.
Teledentistry Appointments
Some follow-up appointments and consultations can be completed online. Simply login to your dentist’s secure patient portal to receive the care you need without having to take the risk of going out in public. You don’t even have to fully get dressed!
One-Way Office Traffic
Helpful signs have been placed throughout your dentist’s office directing patients where to go before, during, and after their appointments. By redirecting traffic in this manner, patients are less likely to bump into each other and transmit germs.
Your Lehigh Valley dentist takes every precaution to ensure your safety while you’re under their care. You should be able to attend your checkup or undergo whatever dental procedure you need without worry.
About the Author
Dr. S. John Salivonchik graduated summa cum laude from Temple University Dental School. He has more than twenty years of experience as a general, cosmetic, and restorative dentist serving Coplay, PA and the surrounding areas. In these uncertain times, he prioritizes his patients’ safety, comfort, and well-being by implementing all of the social distancing measures described in this post. To learn more about how safe you’ll be while under his care, visit his website or call (610) 502-1545.
