For the past six weeks, dentists have only been able to provide emergency care for their patients.
Part of the reason has been to maintain social distancing, but it’s also been to preserve personal protective equipment for people on the front lines of the coronavirus.
You may be able to take your kids to the dentist soon, though.
Governor Ralph Northam announced Wednesday that dental treatments will be allowed to resume when a ban imposed on them expires May 1.
Dr. Kevin Donly, president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, says things will be a little different when you do get back in the office. You can expect a pre-screening call the day before your appointment, and everyone will likely have their temperature checked when they arrive.
During your appointment, everyone will be wearing face masks and face shields to protect you and your kids.
It will likely take a while to get an appointment, since everyone will be trying to get in at once, so in the meantime Donly says your kids should be brushing their teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste.
You should also watch what you have in the fridge, sticking to water and milk for your kids’ beverages.
Donly says with all the precautions that will be in place, it will be safe to visit the dentist and it’s important to get back in the office when you can.
“Oral health is really critical to overall health,” Donly said.
For more information, you can visit the AAPD’s website.
