COVID-19: Stay Healthy, Stay Educated!

During these unprecedented times, it is important to do your best to stay safe and stay healthy. Being educated with the most current information regarding COVID-19 will help you do so. 


WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses known to cause respiratory-related illnesses in animals and/or humans.  While coronaviruses have been around for some time, the most recently discovered form of coronavirus known as COVID-19 affects humans and has caused the current pandemic outbreak. 

HOW DOES COVID-19 AFFECT DENTISTRY?

COVID-19 is primarily spread through droplets, which are generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. An individual may also contract COVID-19 after contact with a contaminated surface then touching his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Most procedures in dentistry are known as aerosol-generating procedures. This means that the use of hand pieces, ultrasonic scalers, air/water syringes, and polishing can create aerosols that allow droplets to spread through the air. For this reason, dental team members have always been diligent in upholding the most effective disinfecting and sterilizing methods to ensure the health and safety of all those who enter the dental practice.

OUR EFFORTS AGAINST COVID-19

While our team has always maintained proper infection control protocol, it is very important to us that our patients feel safe and comfortable while receiving their dental care. During your upcoming and future dental appointments, you will notice some changes we have implemented. We will ask that you wait in your car until we are ready to bring you in for treatment. We will be limiting the amount of guests in the office at one time and will be adding time after each appointment to allow for all additional infection control procedures to be completed; therefore, there may be less available appointment time options. Those who may be more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 including those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, COPD, diabetes, or cancer may be asked to delay their visit to the office. During your dental care, you may notice a change in appearance of our protective gear as well as choice of instrumentation. These are just some of the changes our team is making to ensure your safety. 


We look forward to the day we can fully return to routine dentistry. Until then, please remember to wash your hands frequently, practice social distancing, and wear a mask when in public. We can't wait to see you all again soon!

​Keep flossing and remember to smile!
​​- Jennifer Corley, RDH and the Dublin Woods Team
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