Is it safe to visit the dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic? Dentists can’t eliminate all risk but they are taking steps to minimize the chances of spreading the coronavirus.
You’ll likely notice changes as soon as you enter the office. Many
dentists have removed magazines from waiting rooms for example, as well
as some chairs to encourage social distancing. They also are spacing out appointments to avoid crowding their offices.
You may be asked to arrive for your appointment with a facial
covering and to wait in your car until equipment is cleaned and the
dentist is ready. Before receiving care, you can also expect staff to
take your temperature and ask about COVID-19 symptoms.
Coronavirus is spread mainly through droplets people spray when they
talk cough or sneeze. Dental care requires close quarters and procedures
that can generate a spray of saliva and water. To reduce risk, dentists
are returning to manual tools for procedures like teeth cleanings
instead of other instruments that may do the job faster but create more
of that spray.
Staff also have started wearing masks, face shields and other
personal protective equipment. Some dentists are charging for all the
extra gear so ask in advance if you should expect extra costs.
As the pandemic spread earlier this year, dental offices in the US
mostly closed except for emergency care. By the end of June, nearly all
offices had reopened according to surveys by the American Dental
Association.