Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist?

Read More: News Media Highlight Safety of Dental Offices

While it’s natural to wonder if you and your family are safe visiting the dentist, be assured that Indiana’s dentists have always maintained the highest level of infection control for you as a patient. As a member of the American Dental Association and Indiana Dental Association, our members dentists, in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control, are taking steps to follow all established guidelines to protect staff and patients in our offices.

For more than 30 years, dental professionals have been on the front line of using Universal Precautions to protect both themselves and their patients from any number of viruses and communicable diseases. Our long-established standards, including masks, gloves, face shields, eye protection and protective clothing, are designed to protect both patients and dental professionals. Our sterilizers and autoclave are checked weekly to maintain proper operation and to ensure that no traces of infection remain on instruments. Dental office team members clean and sanitize operatories and any surfaces between patients, because your safety is a top priority in oral care.

Of course, common sense precautions are also important. If you’ve been sick or running a fever recently, or if anyone in your household has been exposed to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases, you should stay home until the risk of infection is over. Wash your hands before visiting the dentist and after your appointment.

Otherwise, please do not neglect the health of your mouth. Extensive research shows that good oral health is strongly related to overall physical health and wellness. Articles on WebMD and the Mayo Clinic explain more about the links between a healthy mouth and a healthy body.

Below is a diagram of recommended CDC guidelines for healthcare Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). All of the PPE ensures a safe dental environment for everyone, on every visit.