During the COVID-19 pandemic, you’re probably doing all you can to stay healthy and lower your risk of exposure. This typically includes frequent sanitation, cleaning, and of course, social distancing. But what if you need to visit your dentist in Bullard during this uncertain time? Is it safe? Your dentist has taken many advanced safety precautions to keep themselves and their patients safe. One of these significant steps is a face shield! Keep reading to learn more about why face shields are becoming the new norm in dentistry.
What is a Face Shield?
A face shield is a piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is usually worn in the medical field for protection of the facial area and mouth against splashes and sprays. This prevents exposure to potentially infectious fluid and droplets, but it is typically used in combination with other PPE’s. You may have rarely seen a dentist wearing a face shield, but now more than ever they are becoming an important part of safety in the dental practice.
Using a Face Shield in Dentistry
In addition to other safety precautions, your dentist is now using a face shield to act as a barrier between them and their patients. This allows you (and your dentist) to feel confident if you need treatment. They can still ask you the necessary questions and take a close look at your mouth without risking exposure to respiratory droplets that carry the virus. Don’t be surprised if you see your dentist wearing multiple PPE’s, including an N95 mask or others with the facial shield as an outer layer of protection. This barrier helps your dentist provide high-quality care even while COVID-19 is a risk.
Other Importance Safety Precautions
The safety steps don’t stop there! In addition to face shields and other PPE’s, your dentist is also taking various precautions to keep their practice clean and sterilized. They have removed any magazines, pamphlets, or items that get touched frequently from the waiting rooms and common areas. Plus, every point of contact is cleaned and sanitized. And, your dentist is taking social distancing precautions to prevent any unnecessary contact between patients. While these steps are just part of the overall protocol, they are integral for how your dentist can treat patients when COVID-19 is prevalent.
So, if you need dental care and your dentist is wearing a face shield, there is no need to worry! In fact, you can feel confident that they take your safety and their own as seriously as they should while the Coronavirus is a risk.
Meet the Dentist
Dr. Tad Morgan is a native Texan who is proud to care for the Bullard community. He understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the safety of medical care seem uncertain, which is why he wants to ensure his patients that he is taking all of the proper precautions for a safe and clean practice. If you have any questions, he can be reached through his website or by phone at (903) 825-1112.