It’s not uncommon for many people to look for the slightest excuse to put off a visit to the dentist. I could fill a blog with some of the more creative ones. The COVID pandemic, rightfully so, has made a significant portion of the population steering clear of dental appointments. According to a June 15 survey by the American Dental Association, patient volume has decreased to 65 percent since COVID struck.
It’s important that you look after your oral health as seriously as you tend to other medical concerns and not wait for a painful problem to hit your mouth before you take action. Don’t skip regular cleanings and other procedures for fear of COVID and/or an underlying fear of the dentist. With the right questions answered to your satisfaction you can be assured a safe experience.
All dentists in the U.S. are being required to put new procedures in place, but not all dental professionals are going the extra mile as we have done at Beverly Hills Dental Health and Wellness. We are making it our number one priority to provide a safe and healthy environment. I suggest you refer to our protocols mentioned here when calling the dentist of your choice to see if they are providing the same or similar means of patient care during this difficult time.
Of course we follow the universal guidelines of frequent handwashing and sanitizing of all patient areas, but we’ve also equipped each operatory with an ozone/UV air purifier, and offer ozone water as a rinse. Recent reports indicate very favorable results using ozone against bacteria and viruses. Our ozone dental cleanings ensure that no bacteria from the mouth is aerosolized in the rooms, as well as gives your mouth and immune system an anti-aging boost. The ozone purifier acts as a safeguard for aerosol droplets, especially important during teeth cleanings. Our hygienists and doctors have been schooled on how to provide the safest environment for your visit.
We also check everyone’s temperature as patients walk in our doorway, require all patients and visitors to wear a mask as all of our staff does, and monitor our waiting area for compliance with social distancing.
These are the areas you need to explore with the receptionist or office manager when booking an appointment, and don’t be shy about asking and insisting on any protocols that will keep you safe. You are your own advocate.
My staff likes to say we are the safest place on earth right now and while I can’t believe there is any place safer than staying at home, that’s not always practical, as our lives have to move forward. Stay safe and don’t forget to step outside, get your vitamin D in the sun and take deep breaths to oxygenate your lungs.
