For the second time, Ontario is back in lockdown. Non-essential businesses are closed, and businesses deemed essential are forced to operate at a limited capacity. Those are just a few of the measures being taken across Ontario.
So, what’s changed when I visit the dentist during lockdown?
Here’s what you need to know.
When we were in lockdown the first time in 2020, dentists were affected. At that time they were only able to operate on an emergency basis. Now there are guidelines that have been set in place to keep the staff and patients safe. These measures allow us to be able to visit the dentist during lockdown.
Kawartha Dental Clinic does your COVID-19 assessment over the phone. Pre-screening is one of the measures set in place to stop the spread and keep everyone safe. Upon arrival, each patients temperature is taken as well. During this process, if you or someone you’ve been in contact with is unwell, you’ll be asked to reschedule.
One of the biggest changes is the PPE the staff are required to wear. Before COVID-19, staff were able to wear a level 1 mask. Now, they have to wear N95/level 3 masks, face shields, gowns and of course gloves.
They’re also limiting the amount of patients in the waiting room and asking patients to wait in their vehicles when possible.
Although their operating costs have increased at Kawartha Dental Clinic, they haven’t inflated the price a patient would pay for treatment.
Thankfully, it’s business as usual for the most part.
Thank you Kawartha Dental Clinic for sponsoring Smile Stories and creating a welcoming environment for all your patients, including myself.
To book an appointment, call 705-743-1851 or email [email protected]
For more information, click HERE to visit their website.
If you experience anxiety when you visit the dentist, check out this interview.