From the Desk of Dr. Pink

What to Expect at Your Next Dental Visit During COVID-19

As we all know, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused most of us to stay home to try to lower the rate of infection. We have had to hit "pause" on many of our normal activities - even going to the dentist.

However, prolonging your regular preventative dental appointments can be costly to your health. As you begin to schedule your next appointment, Sun Life wants to make sure you feel safe and prepared.Dentists have been busy updating more targeted safety protocols. As a result you may see some changes at your next visit including:

Dentists have been busy updating more targeted safety protocols. As a result you may see some changes at your next visit including:

• Pre-Checking: A dental office employee may call with a short list of health questions before your appointment. This is to ensure the health and safety of both the dental office employees and the patients.
• New arrival protocol: The dental office may have you call the office on your arrival. You could be asked to wait in your car until the dentist is ready to see you. Anyone other than the patient, caregiver or parent should stay home. This is to limit waiting times and avoid crowded waiting rooms.
• Waiting room: You can expect limited seating and no books or magazines. There may be dividers to help limit the chance of spreading the virus.
• Pre-Sanitizing: Before treatment, you may be asked to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands. Some dentists also have their patients use a mouth rinse (such as hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine).
• Masks: You will wear a mask in the office, even if you stay a safe distance from others.
• Longer appointments: Because of increased safety measures, it will take longer to prepare your room. Allow for extra time for regular visits and treatments.

Your dentists are working hard to make sure your next visit is as safe and comfortable as possible. Delaying routine dental appointments could not only lead to more dental pain, but larger overall health issues as well.

Be sure to get your next preventative visit scheduled.