There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now due to the pandemic. While some states are opening up and easing back into a closer to normal routine, including Florida, there are a lot of ways in which the world will change.
Since the virus hasn’t been eliminated by any means, many people will still be concerned about catching it. As a result, they might stay further away from other people, avoid sharing food and drinks, and minimize the amount of time they spend in public.
Fortunately, many doctor’s offices are beginning to do virtual consultations and visits, limit the number of patients in waiting rooms, and take extra steps to clean and sanitize their offices throughout the day.
The dental industry is going to have to go back to normal to some extent as well. There is no substitute for an in office professional cleaning, routine x-rays, or dental procedures. Unfortunately, these all require dental professionals to work very closely to their patients. And while a dentist can wear a mask, the patient will not have that option during the exam or cleaning.
Many patients will be concerned about exposing themselves to the virus either through close contact with their dental professionals or from tools and instruments used during the appointment. So, while Florida dental offices are going to start reopening, there will have to be extra precautions taken to make patients feel safe.
Additionally, the office staff including dentists are more likely to be reluctant to be in such close proximity to other people throughout the day. While there is no way to guarantee that they will not contract coronavirus, there are ways that Florida dentistry offices can take steps to make sure that the staff and patients who enter the building are healthy.
This may include health surveys at the beginning of the visit that inquire about possible symptoms, recent travel and exposure, and other concerns. Staff and patients will also likely have their temperature checked when they enter to the office to make sure that they are not sick.
While that helps, there will still be concerns about contracting the virus from other patients who have been in the office. To combat these concerns, dental offices will be sanitizing their equipment thoroughly between patients, minimizing the number of patients in the waiting room, cleaning the rooms more often, and scheduling patients farther apart.
While it is unlikely that your experience will be anything like it was before the virus, you will still be able to safely keep up with your oral health and hygiene. Over time, the industry will adapt and change its practices to continue to prioritize patient and staff health and safety.
If you’re interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, call our office today.