Like many other businesses, dentists were affected by COVID-19. That's because dentistry is a job that requires professionals to work with their faces over their patients' open mouths, which means that they could easily become exposed to the potentially fatal disease. Some clinics shut down for a while and then re-opened. Things were slow at first and according to NexHealth, the total patient volume in 2021 was only 81% of what it was before the pandemic. But what is life like now in a dental office?

They Still Wear Masks and Face Guards

While a lot of dental offices have eased restrictions in terms of having patients call before coming in and having their temperatures taken, staff like the dentists and hygienists often wear both masks and plexiglass face guards to protect themselves from any airborne droplets that could make them sick. This is also a precaution for patients since they could be sick with other things too.

They Have Improved Filtration

When you go into a doctor's office or dental office, you may find something that looks like a large rectangular box. This is an air filtration system, and it keeps the air clean while you're in the room. It's another way to keep any COVID-19 droplets at bay. It's literally a way to breathe easier while you're having your teeth cleaned.

Even though several boosters have been added to the vaccine, many professionals working in the medical field are still being extra cautious about taking care of their patients. It seems like those in the dental field are no different. While it's not the super-vigilant way it was at the height of the pandemic, they are still doing all they can. Of course, they also include the notices to not come in if you're feeling sick or have tested positive for the virus in the past several days.

It seems like more and more people have returned to regular dental visits. That's important because teeth and gum health play a big part in people's overall well-being. It could be said that most dental professionals are taking a cautiously optimistic approach to this. But we as dentists take your safety and concern as a top priority. Are you looking for a dental office in your area? We can help you find ones that still address any COVID-19 concerns if you have any. Contact us today at Southridge Dental to learn more.