As part of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Simply Beautiful Smiles locations are requiring staff and patients to arrive wearing a mask. Staff members keep their face coverings on for the duration of their time in the office, and patients can remove their mask once seated in the dentist’s chair.
Some patients have been asking—why do we have this requirement? What good does it do to wear a mask when you visit the dentist? Here are the answers to your questions.
Wearing a mask is a state requirement.
Simply Beautiful Smiles has locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Both of these states currently have mandates requiring individuals to wear face coverings when they leave home and cannot easily social distance. If for no other reason, plan to wear a mask to the dentist to comply with this regulation.
Wearing a mask reduces the spread of respiratory droplets.
The coronavirus can become airborne when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Covering your nose and mouth helps to confine respiratory droplets within the mask, making it safer to interact within close proximity, such as at the dentist’s office.
Prior to the pandemic, Simply Beautiful Smiles already operated with high safety standards, including having staff members wear masks while performing oral exams and teeth cleanings. Now, we require staff and patients alike to wear face coverings while moving around the office to minimize the amount of respiratory droplets in the air.
Wearing a mask reminds you not to touch your face.
In addition to transmitting through droplets in the air, the coronavirus may land on surfaces where it can live for several hours. If you touch an infected surface and then scratch your nose or wipe your mouth, the virus could enter your respiratory system. Many people touch their face without thinking about it. A mask creates a barrier, so you’re less likely to do so absentmindedly.
Wearing a mask provides peace of mind.
You feel healthy—do you still need to wear a mask to see the dentist? Yes! This is because even people who lack symptoms (asymptomatic) or haven’t developed symptoms yet (pre-symptomatic) may still carry the virus and spread it unknowingly. Face coverings allow everyone to interact in public in a more normal way while slowing the spread of potentially infected respiratory droplets.
If you have a fever or other symptoms of COVID-19, we ask that you call to reschedule your appointment. Otherwise, please arrive wearing a mask for the safety of everyone in our dental office. We look forward to the day when we can greet each other with a big smile and a handshake. Until then, wearing a face covering and maintaining social distancing are the best ways to enjoy life as normally as possible until the pandemic subsides.
For answers to any other questions you may have, please contact a Simply Beautiful Smile location near you, or request an appointment online!