SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Some dental offices will start to reopen on Monday for non-emergency appointments.
The Super Dentists, which have locations all over San Diego, plan to begin bringing back patients next week.
But many procedural changes will be made in order to reduce the risk of infection.
“We feel really good about inviting our patients and our friends back to our offices,” said Dr. Kami Hoss, the co-founder and CEO of The Super Dentists.
He said they have been able to acquire enough PPE for their staff.
The state guidelines for reopening “strongly recommend” that dentists have at least a two-week supply of PPE, including N95 masks, face shields, goggles and surgical masks.
All their patients and people accompanying them will be pre-screened before entering their facilities.
That will include submission of any COVID-19 test results, admission of any flu-like symptoms and a temperature check. Everyone will be required to wear a mask inside, when not receiving oral care.
He said their waiting room will be mostly virtual, with patients and they families signing in online from their cars before being escorted inside for their appointment.
Hoss said it will not be an immediate return to normal staffing and appointment levels.
“We have a lot of training in place for crew members before we reopen our offices,” he said. “Speed is not our goal. Our goal is to make sure things are safe for everyone in the office.”
While they had remained open for emergency procedures, he said they will now resume preventative cleanings and orthadontia.
He encouraged people to contact their dentist, arguing that delayed dental care can affect the rest of your health.
“We know oral health is something we cant just wait out and wait for a vaccine before we go back to the dentist,” he said.