What Should I Expect At My Next Dental Appointment?

We can start cleaning your teeth again! Although, our procedures will look a little different at your next dental appointment. We are just as excited to see your smiles as you are to see us, and we are taking the proper precautions, as outlined by the dental colleges of Canada, to ensure patient comfort, knowledge, and safety. From pre-screening protocols to in-clinic practices, here is a breakdown of what you can expect at your next dental appointment during COVID-19:

• Please wear a mask to the clinic. If you don’t have one, your dental clinic will provide you with one.
• All our staff will be wearing protective gear for everyone’s health and safety.
• Leave your cell phone number with your dental clinic and wait outside the clinic.
• Staff will ask you over-the-phone screening questions and screening questions upon arrival, related to COVID-19.
• Only patients with appointments are asked to enter the clinic. One guardian will be permitted.
• Please use hand sanitizer when you enter the clinic.
• Staff will measure your temperature and ask you to gargle with hydrogen peroxide.
• There will be no magazines, children’s toys, or coffee available in the waiting room.
• Physical distancing is in effect. Staff will maintain 6 feet of distance at all times.
• Dental staff will be wearing face shields when they see you.
• Dental staff will be using new surgical gowns for every patient, for everyone’s safety.
• Your cleaning appointment might require a little more time:
• Dental Hygienists will be hand-scaling your teeth to get them clean. Dental clinics can’t use some of the mechanical equipment, for now.
• Dental Hygienists will not be polishing your teeth at this time.
• Dental staff are not permitted to use high-pressure air and water, for now.
• Please allow us enough time for enhanced disinfection between patients.
• Please reschedule your appointment if anyone in your household had flu-like symptoms in the last 2 weeks.
• Ask about additional updated safety measures at your clinic.
• If you start feeling ill with flu-like symptoms within 14 days of your appointment, call your dental clinic immediately. You may have already been carrying the virus at the time of your dental appointment, and anyone who came into contact with you may be at risk for getting sick as well.

With dental teams across the country reopening their offices for in-clinic treatment, we must remember that there is still a pandemic happening. Wait times may be a little longer, appointments may be scheduled further out, and treatment may not include the same services they once did, pre-COVID-19, but patient safety is (and always will be) first and foremost. We look forward to seeing your smiles again and appreciate your patience and understanding during these times of change.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.