In response to the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the coronavirus COVID-19 a pandemic, here is some important information relevant to your dental experiences. WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic March 11, 2020 noting "alarming levels" of spread, severity and inaction.1 This is the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus.1
Here's what you need to know when going to the dentist:
- Infection control procedures are routine in dental settings.2
- Infection control procedures are actions taken in health care settings to prevent the spread of disease (like COVID-19, Hepatitis, Influenza).
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has specific recommendations for dental office infection control. Your dental team typically works hard to prevent the spread of all infections, not just COVID-19.
- General preparations dental teams complete before you enter treatment rooms should include cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces, such as the dental chair, dental light, drawer handles and countertops.
- Your dental office may cover some equipment with protective covers (these are disposable), which are replaced after each patient.
- Dental teams typically also take great care in cleaning instruments like “drills” and other non-disposable dental tools. These are cleaned in an autoclave – a special machine that uses high heat and steam to sterilize tools.
- Health history and health screenings are necessary – you may see some changes at your next appointment.
- Your dentist will most likely review your medical history (past and current).
- With guidance from the American Dental Association your dentist may also screen you for recent travel history1 and take your temperature.1
- New questions specific to coronavirus may even be asked when you schedule your appointment or when you arrive. Things like have you traveled in the last 14 days or been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with or is under investigation for COVID-19 and do you have a cough, fever or shortness of breath are important and your honest answers are even more important.
- Your dental team should use personal protective equipment appropriate to the dental work being performed. This includes not just lab coats, gloves and masks but also glasses (sometimes they will even ask you to wear safety glasses) and for some dental treatment a rubber dam. A rubber dam helps isolate the tooth they are working on and minimize the spread of saliva.1
Coronaviruses are enveloped viruses, meaning they are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product.1 Dental teams generally always work to disinfect and sterilize offices and instruments, not just in response to the new COVID-19 pandemic.
If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, you should reschedule your appointment.
If you have or suspect you may have COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who was diagnosed with or is currently under investigation for COVID-19 and you require urgent dental treatment, call your dentist to discuss appropriate steps. Your dentist will need to work with your medical providers to determine the appropriate precautions to take on a case-by-case basis and decide whether the dental facility is an appropriate setting to provide the necessary services.1
The CDC recommends social distancing, as an effective way to decrease the likelihood of transmitting COVID-19 — avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining a distance of about 6 feet from others when possible.
To help with that it’s recommended that you arrive on time for your next appointment (not too early), maintain the recommended 6 feet between you and others in the waiting room when possible, and follow other recommended precautions such as hand washing, not touching your face (mouth, nose or eyes), sneezing or coughing into your elbow and no shaking hands.
It’s important to understand that the majority of people infected with the coronavirus experience flu-like symptoms and then recover.2 Most people do not develop serious respiratory complications.2 By following the safety guidelines and working together with your dental team your smile care can continue as usual.
Where can I get more information on COVID-19?
To get the most up-to-date information and learn more visit: