{"id":293,"date":"2020-05-01T03:05:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T03:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/?p=293"},"modified":"2020-06-16T03:05:42","modified_gmt":"2020-06-16T03:05:42","slug":"temple-dentist-social-distancing-possible-covid-19","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.richardfossumdds.com\/blog\/temple-dentist-social-distancing-possible-covid-19\/","title":{"rendered":"Social Distancing at Dental Appointments: How It\u2019s Possible"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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After weeks in quarantine because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country is slowly beginning to reopen. However, it\u2019s vital to keep in mind that even as stay-at-home orders are being lifted, social distancing is the best way to protect yourself and others from the coronavirus. But how can you keep your distance from others when visiting your dentist? Here\u2019s what your Temple dentist<\/a> is doing to make social distancing a practical reality during your next appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Touch-Free Greetings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

COVID-19 is primarily spread through infected airborne particles that are dispersed when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or talks. However, these particles can also land and survive on a variety of surfaces for minutes, hours, or days at a time. This means that handling a contaminated object could transfer germs to your hands long after the sick person has left the area. Then, those particles can be transported to whatever you touch, including doorknobs, your car keys, and your face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To eliminate the possibility of spreading germs through contact, your dental team is saving handshakes, hugs, and other hearty greetings until a later date. Instead, they\u2019ll enthusiastically welcome you back to the office with a safe, touch-free hello.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual Waiting Room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before the pandemic, you would arrive for your appointment, check in at the front desk, and wait in the reception area. However, your dentist has established a \u201cvirtual waiting room\u201d system in order to regulate how many people are in the practice at one time. Instead of entering the office when you arrive, you\u2019ll be asked to check in from the comfort of your car. When the time comes, your dental team will contact you to invite you in, where you can bypass the reception area and go directly to your treatment room. This minimizes your exposure to other patients and lowers your risk of getting sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes to the Reception Area<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though you won\u2019t be spending much time in the reception area, you\u2019ll probably notice some of the changes that have been made to it, like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n