The World Health Organization recommended patients delay routine oral care due to COVID-19. As a dentist at Life Long Dental Care in Old Saybrook, I strongly disagree, and I want to tell you why.
First, oral care is essential. You shouldn’t skip a visit with your primary care physician, and you shouldn’t miss a visit with your dentist. Poor oral health can lead to systemic health problems. Routine dental care now may prevent serious medical issues later.
Second, many dentists are infectious disease control experts and we have all implemented extraordinary safety measures. When you go, your dentist office will not look the same. 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 have not taken lightly the immense responsibility we have to protect our patients. We are confident that we can safely care for all patients during this crisis.
Jeremiah Long