Why It’s Safe To Go to the Dentist During COVID-19

Vaccinated staff and extra safeguards have made it safe to visit the dentist.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected various aspects of our lives, including routine healthcare practices like dental visits. In the early days of the pandemic, dental offices faced unprecedented challenges, with many choosing to close except for urgent or emergency procedures. The decision to reopen dental practices came with the implementation of stringent infection control measures recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This comprehensive guide explores the precautions taken by dental offices to ensure patient and staff safety, the low risk of COVID-19 transmission in dental settings, and what to expect during your dental visit amid the ongoing pandemic.

Why Dental Offices Closed Initially

The decision to temporarily close dental offices during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic was primarily rooted in the understanding of the mode of transmission of the virus. It became evident that the primary mode of COVID-19 transmission was through respiratory droplets, which individuals exhale and inhale through their nose and mouth. This mode of transmission posed a significant challenge in dental settings, where close and direct contact with patients’ mouths is an essential aspect of providing care.

Dental procedures, by their very nature, often involve intimate proximity to patients’ oral cavities, and some procedures even generate aerosols. Aerosol-generating procedures, in particular, became a cause for concern because they can potentially disperse viral particles into the surrounding environment, increasing the risk of transmission to both dental professionals and patients.

The decision to temporarily close dental offices was a precautionary measure aimed at mitigating the risk of virus transmission within these settings. It allowed dental professionals the time to develop and implement stringent infection control measures and protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved in dental care. This temporary closure underscored the commitment of the dental community to the health and well-being of their patients, staff, and the broader community, even in the face of unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.

Reopening Dental Offices with Safety Measures

As vaccination rates among patients, dentists, and hygienists increased, dental offices began reopening for a broader range of procedures, including routine dental care. To ensure the safety of patients and staff, dental practices have implemented widespread infection control recommendations from the ADA and the CDC.

Key Infection Control Recommendations

1. Regular Consultation: Dental healthcare personnel (DHCP) are advised to regularly consult their state dental boards and local health departments for updated information and requirements specific to their jurisdictions. These guidelines may evolve based on the level of COVID-19 transmission in the community.

2. Protective Gear: Dental teams have always adhered to strict hygiene practices, including wearing protective gear like gloves, surgical masks, and goggles. These measures minimize the risk of transmitting germs between patients.

3. EPA-Approved Disinfectants: Dental practices use EPA-approved disinfectants specifically designed for healthcare settings to kill viruses, bacteria, and pathogens. These disinfectants are routinely applied to sanitize surfaces and equipment.

4. Social Distancing: Dental offices enforce social distancing measures among patients and staff when they are not wearing personal protective equipment. Common areas such as lobbies and waiting rooms are disinfected regularly.

Effectiveness of Safety Measures

Numerous comprehensive studies conducted over the course of the pandemic have consistently revealed that the infection rates among dentists have remained remarkably low, consistently reporting rates significantly lower than those observed among other healthcare workers. One notable and compelling example is a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in June 2021, which meticulously examined the data. This particular study found that the monthly infection rates for dentists were astonishingly low, hovering around a mere 0.2%.

These findings underscore the extraordinary success of the dental community in their unwavering commitment to adhering to stringent infection control protocols. The high level of diligence and compliance with these measures not only demonstrates the dedication of dental professionals to the well-being of their patients and colleagues but also contributes significantly to the minimal probability of COVID-19 infection occurring within the confines of dental offices.

This impressive track record of maintaining low infection rates stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the safety measures and procedures put in place, assuring patients that visiting their dentists remains a safe and vital aspect of maintaining their oral health during these challenging times.

What To Expect During Your Dental Visit

Before Your Appointment

• Dental offices may postpone non-urgent dental treatment for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or those who meet quarantine criteria.
  
• Screening procedures, such as phone, email, or text inquiries about COVID-19 symptoms, may be conducted to ensure patients do not pose a COVID-19 risk.

During Your Appointment

• Mask-Wearing: As of March 2022 CDC guidance, mask-wearing remains mandatory in medical and dental offices for patients, residents, staff, vendors, and visitors.
  
• Safety Precautions: Dental offices have implemented additional safety precautions, including enhanced surface coverings, protective equipment for dental staff, and the use of techniques like four-handed dentistry and dental dams to reduce droplet spatter and aerosols.
  
• Physical Distancing: Patient chairs are positioned at least 6 feet apart, and physical barriers may be used between chairs.

After Your Appointment

• Thorough Cleaning: After each patient, dental staff conduct thorough cleaning of patient areas using disinfectants effective against COVID-19, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted significant and unprecedented changes in dental practices worldwide to ensure the safety of both patients and staff. Dental offices have diligently and rigorously followed the infection control recommendations and guidelines provided by reputable health authorities such as the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These efforts have yielded remarkable results, with dental professionals experiencing remarkably low rates of COVID-19 infections.

As a result of these meticulous safety measures, patients can now confidently and without hesitation visit their dentists for both routine check-ups and essential dental care. The dental community has made it a top priority to prioritize the well-being of all individuals seeking dental treatment.

It is important to note that while we have made substantial progress in managing the pandemic, the situation continues to evolve. Therefore, staying well-informed about the latest updates and recommendations from reliable sources such as the CDC and local health departments is essential. This knowledge empowers individuals to make informed decisions regarding their dental visits, ensuring not only their oral health but also their overall well-being during these uncertain times.