The COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many things about our daily lives. From going grocery shopping to communicating with our friends and families, so much of our lives will never be the same. One thing that has changed more than you might think is dentistry. Appointments with your dentist in Gorham, who has recently reopened, are much different than they were a few months ago. Keep reading to learn what you can expect before, during, and after your dental appointment these days.
Before Your Appointment
To make sure all of their patients are healthy, a member of your dentist’s staff may contact you before your appointment and ask you some questions pertaining to your recent health and whether you’ve experienced any coronavirus-like symptoms. They may also repeat these questions when you arrive at the office.
Additionally, your dentist’s office may request that you limit the number of people you bring with you to your appointment. This could mean leaving your children at home or, if your children are the ones with the appointment, waiting outside in your car until they’re finished.
During Your Appointment
When you arrive at the office, you’ll most likely be asked to wait in your car, possibly checking in on your phone, until the dentist is ready to see you. That way, you can avoid the germ breeding ground that waiting rooms can be. Instead, you can go straight back to the treatment room.
You will probably be asked to wash your hands and rinse your mouth out before your appointment begins. This is an extra precaution designed to minimize the risk of germs entering the office.
You may notice that your dentist and their staff look a little different. They’ll likely be wearing more personal protective equipment (PPE) than they used to, such as double face masks, face shields, shoe coverings, and even surgical gowns.
After Your Appointment
You can rest easy knowing that, after your appointment is over, your dental team will thoroughly clean the treatment room as well as any surfaces you may have touched, like doorknobs. This was also done before your appointment, and it helps greatly reduce the risk of germs being passed from one patient to another.
COVID-19 has changed a lot when it comes to our daily lives, and your dentist in Gorham is no exception. If you have any questions about these changes that your dentist is implementing, just give them a call.
About the Author
Dr. Ted Morgan has been serving the greater Portland, ME community for more than 45 years and counting. He achieved his doctorate at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, and the Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about how his practice is keeping his patients safe from COVID-19, visit his website.