The Board of Health’s decision to lift some restrictions on Dentistry is an effort to prevent a dental health crisis, secondary to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past few days we have received clarifications as to the scope of care we are able to safely provide our patients. The main cause for concern is the aerosol spray that is produced by our air and water driven instruments. The microscopic droplets in the aerosol may present a risk to dental professional. Fortunately, we are accustomed to practicing Universal Precautions which require us to treat every patient as if they have an infectious disease. Because of this, our dental office (which has always exceeded CDC and OSHA guidelines) is one of the safest places you can visit.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are going to only perform procedures that do not run the risk of producing an aerosol. That means we will not be doing any cleanings or restorations (crowns and fillings) at this time. We will see patients primarily for exams and diagnosis. Patients with urgent needs that run the risk of causing irreversible damage if left untreated will be treated as necessary using additional precautions above and beyond our normal protocols.
I appreciate your patience as we work
through this puzzle together. I look forward to seeing you soon. Until then, stay safe and healthy.
Dr. F