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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises dentists to treat patients only after they have been assessed for COVID-19 and after weighing the risks of delayed care against the risk of potential viral exposure.
This is because dental care comes with obvious infection risks: Dentists and hygienists should work very close to your face and use tools that can spray droplets. “Dental staff will now wear additional personal protective equipment, such as face shields, gowns and masks,” says Chad Gehani, DDS, president of the American Dental Association.
Your dental office may also ask you to complete a screening form (find out about recent travel, social interactions, and medical history) and do a temperature check before an appointment. Some practices may have “virtual check-ins,” where patients wait in their car, log into the appointment on their smartphone, and receive a text message when it’s time to enter the building. Indoors, waiting room chairs can be spaced at least 6 feet apart.
Because the rules vary from state to state, call your dentist’s office ahead of time to find out exactly what protocols they have in place. Note that regular checks may be postponed: crowns, fillings or bridges, for example, may take priority over cleaning, Gehani explains. Until then, continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly at home.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the September 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports is an independent, non-profit organization that works alongside consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse any product or service and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2020, Consumer Reports, Inc.
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