How is Social Distancing Possible in the Dental Office?

Social distancing is one of the top safety guidelines listed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 crisis. That’s why your dentist in Rochester is doing everything within their power to implement it within the practice to keep both staff and patients safe. Read on to learn what dental office social distancing looks like and how your dentist is prioritizing your wellbeing.

How is COVID-19 Spread?

COVID-19 is spread via droplet transfer to the eyes, nose, or mouth, also known as the mucous membrane. To paint a better picture, when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, or talks loudly without a mask on, they spread droplets of their saliva to surrounding surfaces and people. When uninfected people come into contact with those surfaces and touch their face, the virus can then transfer to the mucous membrane and cause that person to contract COVID-19.

What is Social Distancing?

According to several studies conducted by leading infection control organizations, these saliva droplets can create a plume that extends over six feet, which is how social distancing became a key preventive measure in reducing the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends implementing the practice in public places in order to avoid coming into direct contact with any expelled bodily fluids of potentially infected people. Because many people who have COVID-19 are asymptomatic, this is an especially important practice.

Social distancing itself is also known as “physical distancing,” which means keeping a healthy distance between you and the people surrounding you. In order to practice it, it’s important to stay at least six feet apart, avoid gathering in groups, and try to self-isolate and stay out of crowds and public spaces whenever possible.

How is Your Dentist Implementing This Safety Practice in the Office?

In a small space like a dental office, you’re likely wondering how your dentist near you is able to implement social distancing. They’ve developed several safety practices to ensure that patients’ health is prioritized above all else. Some of these include:

• Virtual check-in from your vehicle allows you to wait in your car instead of the waiting area.
• Sequenced patient scheduling allows your dentist to have control over how many patients are in the office at once.
• Expanded patient appointments allows more time between patients to clean and sanitize and prevent patient-to-patient exposure.
• Fewer chairs in the waiting area encourages social distancing.

These are a few protocols put in place that make social distancing possible in the dental office. In addition to these, your dental staff will be wearing proper PPE to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to other patients as well as practicing strict hand hygiene. With these additional measures in place, you can rest-assured that you’ll be able to receive the high-quality dental care you’re used to without putting your health in harm’s way.

About the Author

Dr. Katherine Vollo is a highly experienced and dedicated dentist. She is passionate about helping her patients achieve optimal oral health and gain the tools and knowledge they need to preserve their smile for a lifetime. She offers comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages as well. For questions about the COVID-19 safety precautions or to schedule an appointment, visit Vollo Dental Group’s website or call 585-225-9114.