Dental offices resume normal operations
ALPENA, Mich. — Friday, May 29, was the first day that dental offices in Michigan were allowed to restart non–emergency care. However, your next trip to the dentist will prove to be different than previous appointments.
President of the Michigan Dental Association, Dr. Steve Meraw, says that there will be several layers of protection to help reduce the spread of COVID–19. Patients should be prepared to answer screening questions and bring their own face mask to the office. “Our office and many other offices also are having patients wait in their car until their appointment time, calling when they get here and then someone will meet them at the door, review the questions one more time, take their temperature at the door before they enter the office and then also give them some hand sanitizer when they walk in,” said Dr. Meraw.
People may be hesitant to make an appointment out of concern for the Coronavirus. To ease these concerns, Dr. Meraw suggests simply speaking with your dentist. “The offices are safe,” he said. “We’re doing extra things. Things might take a little longer but definitely have those conversations to make sure they feel comfortable coming in and don’t delay.”
Dr. Meraw added that it’s going to be different but getting back to routine dentist appointments is very important. “It’s a new normal everywhere we go but it is part of our routines and getting back to our patients and families.”
