The American Dental Association (ADA) and the CDC now recommend that dental clinics and offices provide dental care for patients, after asking all dentists to stop non-urgent visits and surgeries because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what you should know about dental care and any orthodontic treatments as some of the New York cities begin to reopen and accept patients.
Is the Dentist’s Office Safe?
Your dentist and orthodontist must wash their hands, sterilize tools and always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). At Dr. Jacquie Smiles we do even more to prevent the spread of COVID-19, like:
- Disinfect all surfaces and tools more often
- Clean, replace, and cover tools between uses
- Wear more protective gear than usual
- Cover your mouth with a rubber dental dam
Safety COVID-19 – Control and Prevention Tips
Use ADA guidelines and healthy practices to protect yourself when visiting a dentist. Many dental and orthodontic offices are using air purifiers. Dental clinics are now starting to use air purifiers to improve the quality of their indoor air for their patients and their staff. These medical-grade air purifiers remove chemicals, toxins, germs, odors, and may eliminate airborne viruses, to help reduce the spread of illness. Portable air cleaners and HVAC filters can reduce indoor air pollutants, including viruses, that are airborne.
Be healthy and practice all safety Covid-19 rules. Clean and disinfect. Practice 6-feet social distancing rules. Use cafes that offer pick-up and delivery services.
Call us if you have any questions about your dental care and whether you should come in for an appointment or wait until later. If we can’t see you during an emergency, try an urgent care center.
Dentists Are Reporting a Low Rate of COVID-19
Even during a pandemic, it’s still safe to go to the dentist, according to the American Dental Association. The organization published a study today that reports that less than 1 percent of dentists nationwide have been found to be COVID-19 positive, which is far less than that of other health professionals. The report includes data from nearly 2,200 dentists surveyed in June 2020. It’s the first of its kind to show U.S. dentists’ COVID-19 rates as well as safety practices. These findings come after dentistry was flagged as a COVID-19 high-risk profession. The majority of dentists (82 percent) reported being asymptomatic one month before the remote survey. Close to 17 percent said they had a COVID-19 test.
SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
To schedule your appointment with Dr. Jacquie Smiles for dental care and orthodontic treatments in Monore, NY, please call 845-782-4288 or fill out the contact form to receive more information. Our office is conveniently located near 70 Gilbert Street, Suite 202 Monroe, NY 10950.
