How Is Social Distancing Possible with Your Dentist?

For several months now, you’ve done your best to stay away from others. You’ve worked from home, washed your hands frequently, ordered your groceries online, and worn a mask when necessary. Although the shelter-in-place order has been lifted, social distancing is still important to follow in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. But some tasks require close proximity to others—like going to your dentist in Odessa. How can you possibly get a checkup and cleaning while social distancing? Read on to find out!

Importance of Social Distancing

COVID-19 has many unknowns still; however, experts know that it is spread primarily through droplets from person to person nearby. These droplets in the air can come in direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or nose, or these germ-filled droplets can also easily be transferred from the person’s hands. You’ve been asked to stay at least six feet away from others because these droplets can only travel a few feet, and keeping your distance is an effective way to protect yourself and others from infection.

Ways Your Dentist Is Practicing Social Distancing

Social distancing has proven to be essential in slowing down the spread of COVID-19, but dentistry requires close contact, and you simply can’t afford to skip your dental care. That doesn’t mean that your dentist is taking the situation lightly. Their team is doing everything possible to keep everyone safe.

Virtual Waiting Room

Instead of sitting in a crowded waiting room surrounded by other patients, you can wait for your appointment in your car. By checking into your dentist’s virtual waiting room, you are less exposed to the germs that may be on the magazines, toys, or other items. When the team is ready for you, they’ll call or text, and you’ll be able to go directly to a clean operatory for treatment.

More Time to Clean

Cleanliness has always been a priority for dental and medical practices even prior to the pandemic. Now, this concern is on everyone’s mind, which is why the dental team takes more time than usual to sanitize instruments, surfaces, and chairs in between patients. By taking a few extra minutes more to ensure a clean environment, patients can feel comfortable and at ease in the space knowing that they are safe.

Fewer Patients in the Office

Before COVID-19, your dentist may have had several patients in the practice at the same time, each at different stages in their appointment. However, by reducing the number of people inside the practice, the dental team can reduce the risk of exposure for both staff members and patients.

Just because there’s a global pandemic going on, it doesn’t mean you should neglect your oral health. You still need to visit the dentist, and because of the changes your dentist is implementing in the practice, you can have peace of mind getting treatment and caring for your smile.

About the Practice

Boyles General Dentistry has been serving Odessa families for many decades now and continues to put patients first during the COVID-19 crisis. Dr. Franklin Boyles and Dr. Stephen Boyles are proud to perform every procedure, including dental cleanings, in order to connect with their patients on a personal level. They have integrated all the protocols mentioned in this post. If you have questions about the safety measures at the practice, you can click here and ask!