Don’t let COVID-19 delay your dental visit
In a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll, 52% of respondents said they or a family member skipped or delayed dental or medical care in June 2020 because of COVID-19. Dental procedures were the most common type of care that was delayed, with 37% of adults saying they put off visits. In addition to the Kaiser poll an American Dental Association (ADA) national survey found that dental visits are about 60% of what they were before dental offices closed for non-emergency care in mid-March.
Is it safe to return to the dentist?
While many Americans plan to return to the dentist soon, more than a quarter of the 1,300 Kaiser Family Foundation poll respondents who skipped or postponed their dental visits said they do not feel safe returning to dental offices just yet. However, dental offices have traditionally been safe places to visit — and they have put more measures in place to protect patients in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the ADA. Some of those measures include:
- Asking health-related screening questions and taking a patient’s temperature upon arrival
- Spacing out appointments to allow more time to disinfect exam rooms between visits
- Changing the layout of waiting rooms and other spaces to provide more room for separation or asking patients to wait for their appointment in cars to insure proper distancing
- Providing additional personal protective equipment for dental office employees
- Requiring all who enter the dental office to wear a face covering
Your health and well-being is our top priority. Stay informed of the changing environment related to COVID-19 on Delta Dental’s member website. And remember to maintain your oral health routine at home – regular brushing and flossing between visits will help you maintain a healthy smile.