The World Health Organization recommended patients delay routine oral care due to COVID-19. As a dentist at Stonecreek Dental Care – Pickerington, I strongly disagree, and I want to explain why.
First, oral care is essential. You should not miss a visit with your dentist. Poor oral health increases other health issues, which have been known to increase the severity of COVID-19 infection. Routine dental care now might prevent serious medical issues later.
Second, dentists are experts in infectious disease control who have implemented extraordinary safety measures. We have put in place exhaustive new procedures, including advanced personal protective equipment and enhanced infection control procedures.
Third, patients trust us to keep them safe. In July, North American Dental Group, a dental service organization supporting more than 230 dental practices including ours, commissioned a national survey in which most patients indicated they trust their dentist to protect them from COVID-19.
We are confident that we can safely care for all patients during this crisis.
J. Clarke Sanders, DDS, Pickerington
Article author: Staff Writer The Columbus Dispatch
Originally published in: Columbus Dispatch