It’s been well over a year since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but protecting yourself and others from the virus remains crucial to this day. To maximize protection from the Delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting vaccinated as soon as possible, wearing a mask in an indoor public setting, and social distancing. But how can you keep a six-foot distance from others while visiting the dentist? Read on to learn how dental offices are following proper social distancing guidelines.
What is Social Distancing?
Social distancing is the act of staying at least six feet apart from others while in public areas. Generally, the point of this practice is to prevent sick people from coming into close contact with healthy people, reducing the opportunity for disease transmission. With COVID-19, the CDC recommends social distancing because the virus can easily infect people via the eyes, nose, and mouth. Unfortunately, that can be life-threatening for many people, including those who have underlying health conditions. In an effort to curb its spread, several public areas are implementing various social distancing practices.
How Your Dental Office is Practicing Social Distancing
Dental offices are aware that COVID-19 is still an issue within the community, and they’re taking every measure necessary to keep their patients safe. One of the many precautionary measures they’re taking is social distancing. Here are the steps they’re taking to keep you safe while visiting the dentist:
Virtual Waiting Rooms
Instead of having patients sit next to each other in a crowded waiting room, most dental offices are asking them to wait for their appointments in their cars. With this approach, you can simply call or text the office to alert them of your arrival. Once the dental team is ready for you, a staff member will greet you and take you directly to the treatment room, bypassing the reception area entirely.
Fewer Patients at a Time
To reduce the number of people in one location, dental offices are simply not seeing as many patients. The sequenced patient scheduling allows for more time between visits for coming, going, and cleaning. By stopping new patient tours and implementing one-way traffic flow, it’s less likely that people will bump into each other accidentally.
Keeping Chairs 6-Feet Apart
Dental offices are removing several chairs from their waiting rooms and arranging the existing ones six feet apart. With fewer chairs in the reception area, keeping your distance from others is entirely possible. Plus, helpful signs are in place to direct one-way traffic flow, ensuring people stay as far apart from each other as possible.
As you can see, there are several measures your dentist takes to ensure you’re safe while visiting their office. With social distancing practices, you can still receive quality dental care without putting your health at risk!
About the Practice
At Amaze Dental, we care about more than just your smile – we care about your overall health too. Our team goes above and beyond to provide exceptional, personalized, high-quality dental care while protecting you from disease transmission. Aside from social distancing, our office takes several precautionary measures to keep you safe. If you have any questions about our COVID-19 safety protocol, visit our website or call (972) 230-1100.