JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Dental Association said your next dentist appointment could look a little different.
- You might be asked screening questions before coming in.
- You may be asked to wash your hands when you arrive.
- No magazines, toys or shared-use items in waiting rooms.
- You might have to wait in your car if you arrive early.
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At CJ Henley DMD dental office, patients must wait in the car when they arrive. When its time for their appointment a staff member will come outside to take their temperature. They must use sanitizer when they come inside too.
Dentists, hygienists, and assistants are wearing their usual attire, which includes a face shield or goggles, a level three mask, gown, and gloves.
The Department of Labor’s O*Net online occupational database shares work environment characteristics for nearly 1,000 jobs. We looked at data for the jobs exposed to disease or infections. The database scores the job from 0 to 100 (100 being you are exposed daily and 0 being never). Dental hygienists scored a “100” and fall right under acute care nurses for risk.
Still, I’m told the bigger risk is from sick patients coming into the office. If you do not feel well or have been infected with COVID-19, do not come into the office
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