How Your Dentist’s Office Is Practicing Social Distancing

You can’t have a conversation these days without the words “social distancing” coming up at some point. However, research has shown that staying home when possible and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like masks and gloves when you do go out works to slow the spread of COVID-19. But how is it possible to practice social distancing when you visit your kids’ dentist in Midland? Keep reading to find out.

How Is Your Dentist’s Office Practicing Social Distancing?

One major way that your dentist is practicing social distancing is by switching to virtual waiting rooms. What does this mean? When you arrive at the office, you’ll check in with your phone instead of entering the office right away. A member of the dental team will let you know when the dentist is ready so that you know when to come in.

Your dentist is also scheduling more spaced-out appointments than before. Appointments are longer, allowing your child to receive more dentistry in one trip. This practice also allows for more cleaning of the office to be done in between patients, which greatly decreases the chances of germs accumulating in the office and infecting patients.

What Other Safety Precautions Is Your Dentist Implementing?

In addition to practicing social distancing, your dentist in Midland is adhering to strict health and safety guidelines set up by the American Dental Association and the CDC, such as:

• Checking your and your child’s temperature with a no-contact thermometer upon arrival at the office
• Calling patients before their appointments to ask about their recent health and if they exhibit any symptoms of COVID-19
• Asking patients to use hand sanitizer and rinse with an antimicrobial mouth rinse at the beginning of their appointment
• Asking patients to minimize the number of people they bring with them to the appointments or having additional guests wait in the car

Like it or not, social distancing is a normal part of our lives these days, and it will probably be that way for quite some time. As such, your dentist has adapted to this new way of life to make your child’s visit as safe as possible. If you still have questions about how your dentist is keeping their office clean and safe, just give them a call and ask.

About the Author

Dr. Thomas Youngblood is a kids’ dentist in Midland who studied at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio for his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, graduating in 2002. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. His practice implements all of the health and safety protocols listed above and more. To learn about his office’s COVID-19 precautions, contact Dr. Youngblood at (432)-520-5437.