Dentist visit during covid times

our family went the last couple of weeks. you wait until they call you to go in, take temp and they're in face shields (They always were even before) and KN95 respirators. they also didn't use the waterpik to scale as that causes a lot fine particles in the air so it was all manual scaling and no polishing (same reason as why no waterpik), no spitting in the sink (spit into cup)

my hygenist says these were the guidelines from their association and that unless the office can have enclosed spaces and 3hrs between patients, they recommended the no waterpik (don't know formal name) cleaning and polishing amongst other things. obviously dentists can still drill and such as that's required for them to perform their work

PointsHubby wrote: ↑ Know several people who work for various medical practitioners
Including Drs, Dentists, Optimetrists, Chiros etc
These industries have had to take A LOT OF PRECAUTIONS

So expect the experience to be quite different

Typically ... one client in the whole facility
Lots of PPE and sanitizing happening
Questions, and Temperature Checks etc

And lastly ...

TRUST ME when I say ...
they are far more at risk at catching Covid from you
Than you are from them

So NO ONE takes Covid more seriously than someone working in healthcare

Thank you, I appreciate it. That last two lines put me at eat I was freaking out but yeah they told me you'll be required to wear mask when they're done etc so looks like they're very careful

here was my experience how-your-visit-dentist-2390342/

Been to the dentist twice during the pandemic. Both times went perfectly fine; my dentist follows the RCDSO guidance.

Went to the dentist once at this time of pandemic. It was fine. Have to wear PPE, do temp check, sanitize, answer questions and etc. For me, it was okay as long as you really needed to go there.

As a family, we've had about a dozen visits at 6 different offices in the past 3 months. To be honest, once you're inside and on the dentist's chair, there is only so much that can be done besides the usual PPE. With all the mouth-related activity happening in a closed space, I would say if you're on the younger side + healthy it is okay otherwise wait until this is over ... unless of course you have a dental emergency.

they are really protected, mask and face shield, i think the measures taken is sufficient.

I think the staff and the dentist should be more worried about getting infected by their patients than spreading it to their patients. All dental offices in Canada have pretty stringent sanitizing/sterilization requirements already.

I had a regular checkup and cleaning yesterday.....
Waiting room was empty - the office won't let you in until just before the appointment.
I had to fill out a form answering and checking off a series off a dozen or so questions about COVID exposure and symptoms.
They took my temperature with a hand held gun.
I had to wear a mask until I entered the exam room (I believe the dental term is "operatory")
I had to swish a peroxide based cleaner around my mouth for 60 seconds.
Dental hygienist had on a full plastic face mask + a disposable N95 mask + gloves + a disposable gown.
I had to wear a mask when back at the front counter to pay and then to leave.

plymouthhater wrote: ↑ I had a regular checkup and cleaning yesterday.....
Waiting room was empty - the office won't let you in until just before the appointment.
I had to fill out a form answering and checking off a series off a dozen or so questions about COVID exposure and symptoms.
They took my temperature with a hand held gun.
I had to wear a mask until I entered the exam room (I believe the dental term is "operatory")
I had to swish a peroxide based cleaner around my mouth for 60 seconds.
Dental hygienist had on a full plastic face mask + a disposable N95 mask + gloves + a disposable gown.
I had to wear a mask when back at the front counter to pay and then to leave.

Similar experience for a routine hygiene appointment. I haven't heard many outbreaks at dental offices in the news, so it's probably reasonably safe.

I've gone to the dentist as well as chiro, massage, physio several times since June - they're most definitely taking it very seriously, taking every precaution....and I would agree they're more at risk.

I went in August when Ontario was getting 80 to 90 cases a day cancelled the one I had this month due to the large case counts and advised movement restrictions in the area where my dentist is located.